Irredeemable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
irredeemable
[ษชrษชหdiหmษbษl ]
Definitions
unable to be saved or improved
Irredeemable describes something that is beyond redemption, meaning it cannot be saved, improved, or made better. It implies a condition that is so severe or hopeless that there is no possibility of recovery or salvation.
Synonyms
hopeless, irreparable, irreversible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irredeemable |
Best suited for situations where something or someone cannot be saved, improved, or corrected, often with a strong negative connotation.
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| hopeless |
Used when describing a lack of hope or optimism, can relate to both situations and people, often with a sense of despair but not as final as 'irredeemable'.
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| irreparable |
Describes damage, harm, or loss that cannot be corrected or restored, often referring to physical or emotional damage.
|
| irreversible |
Used when referring to actions, processes, or conditions that cannot be undone or reversed, focusing on the finality of the situation.
|
Examples of usage
- The criminal's actions were deemed irredeemable by the judge.
- Her irredeemable attitude towards authority made it difficult for her to keep a job.
- The damage caused by the hurricane was irredeemable, leaving the town in ruins.
unable to be exchanged for money or goods
Irredeemable can also describe something that cannot be exchanged for money or other goods. It implies that the item or currency has no value in terms of exchange or redemption.
Synonyms
non-redeemable, unexchangeable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irredeemable |
Used when describing something that is beyond repair, hope, or salvation, usually in a moral sense or character flaw.
|
| non-redeemable |
Often used in financial or commercial contexts to describe items or services that cannot be exchanged or refunded.
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| unexchangeable |
Typically applicable to items or goods that cannot be exchanged, either due to policy or specific conditions.
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Examples of usage
- The expired gift card was deemed irredeemable and could not be used for any purchases.
- The counterfeit currency was identified as irredeemable and could not be accepted as payment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Waste Land' explores themes of irredeemability through the lens of post-war disillusionment.
- In Shakespeareโs 'Othello', the concept of irredeemable guilt is pivotal to character motivations and tragic outcomes.
- Many dystopian novels incorporate themes of irredeemable societies, reflecting on failures in moral or social structures.
Psychology
- In psychology, feelings of being irredeemable can lead to hopelessness, particularly in cases of depression.
- Cognitive therapy often aims to counteract feelings of being irredeemably flawed by reframing negative thoughts.
- The concept can also be linked to self-identity, with individuals sometimes feeling irredeemable due to past mistakes.
Pop Culture
- In films and books, characters labeled as irredeemable often embark on redemption journeys, highlighting the contrast between hope and despair.
- The 'anti-hero' trope frequently explores themes of irredeemability, illustrating complexities in character motivation and morality.
- Popular video games often present choices that can lead to irredeemable actions, affecting character consequences and story outcomes.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the ideas of moral irredeemability, questioning whether anyone can truly be beyond redemption.
- Existentialism often grapples with the notion of personal freedom and choices leading to an irredeemable state.
- Most philosophical discussions about morality include the potential for redemption, contrasting those with the idea of being irredeemable.
Origin of 'irredeemable'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Latin 'irredeemabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'redimere' means 'to redeem'.
- It first appeared in English texts around the early 19th century, evolving from the simpler concept of redeeming something.
- The prefix 'ir-' intensifies the idea of 'not redeemable', making the meaning very strong.
The word irredeemable originated from the Latin word 'irredimibilis', which is derived from the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' and 'redimibilis' meaning 'able to be redeemed'. The term has been used in various contexts to describe something that is beyond saving or exchange. Its usage has evolved over time to encompass both moral and material connotations of being irreparable or non-redeemable.
See also: irredeemably, redeem, redeemable, redeemer, redemption, unredeemable.