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Irretrievable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irretrievable

[ษชหŒrษชหˆtriหvษ™bษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

data loss

Not able to be recovered or regained; lost beyond retrieval.

Synonyms

irrecoverable, irreparable, irreversible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irretrievable

Used when something cannot be retrieved or recovered, often referring to situations, conditions, or objects that are lost forever.

  • The files were lost in an irretrievable manner after the system crash.
  • The antique vase shattered into irretrievable pieces.
irrecoverable

Applied when something cannot be regained or restored, often in financial or legal contexts.

  • The investment was deemed irrecoverable after the company went bankrupt.
  • The insurance company decided that the costs were irrecoverable.
irreparable

Used to describe damage or harm that cannot be fixed or repaired, typically in emotional, human, or physical contexts.

  • The accident caused irreparable damage to his spinal cord.
  • Their friendship suffered irreparable harm due to the betrayal.
irreversible

Refers to actions or processes that cannot be reversed or undone, often used in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts.

  • Climate change has led to irreversible damage to coral reefs.
  • The decision to close the factory is irreversible.

Examples of usage

  • The irretrievable data was permanently lost.
  • The damage was irretrievable and could not be undone.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The concept of irretrievable loss is a prevalent theme in many classic novels, portraying emotions linked to regret and longing.
  • In poetry, it often symbolizes missed opportunities or lost love, expressing deep feelings of nostalgia.
  • Famous works, such as 'The Great Gatsby,' highlight moments that characters feel are irretrievable in their lives.

Psychology

  • Feeling that something is irretrievable often leads to grief or sadness, as it relates to human attachment to past experiences or relationships.
  • Studies suggest that acknowledging what is irretrievable can help individuals find closure and move on.
  • The perception of irretrievability can vary between individuals, influenced by personality traits and life experiences.

Technology

  • In the context of data management, irretrievable data refers to information lost due to failure or corruption, often causing significant frustration.
  • Many technology professionals emphasize the importance of backups to prevent data from becoming irretrievable.
  • Certain legal documents can be labeled as irretrievable if lost, impacting legal cases and records.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters experiencing irretrievable moments, emphasizing emotional depth and dramatic tension.
  • Songs that express feelings of loss frequently mention themes of irretrievability, resonating with listeners on a personal level.
  • Television shows often tackle storylines where characters face irretrievable decisions, showcasing the impact of their choices.

Origin of 'irretrievable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is derived from the Latin 'retrahere,' meaning 'to draw back,' combined with the prefix 'ir-', which means 'not.'
  • It first appeared in English in the 19th century, evolving from earlier forms.
  • Related words like 'retrieve' have retained the idea of getting something back, while the prefix 'ir-' indicates the opposite.

The word 'irretrievable' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and the word 'retrievable'. It is commonly used in contexts related to data loss, irreversible damage, or situations where something cannot be recovered or regained.

See also: irretrievably, retrievable, retrieval, retriever.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,364, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.