Irretrievably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
irretrievably
[ษชหrษชหtriหvษbli ]
Definitions
lost forever
In a way that cannot be recovered or regained; permanently lost.
Synonyms
irreparably, irreversibly, permanently.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irretrievably |
Used to describe situations where something cannot be recovered or undone. Often used in emotional or serious contexts.
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| permanently |
Used to describe something that is intended to last indefinitely. Common in everyday contexts.
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| irreversibly |
Used to refer to situations or changes that cannot be undone. Often used in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts.
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| irreparably |
Used when something is damaged or harmed beyond repair. Commonly used in physical damage or severe emotional context.
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Examples of usage
- The data was irretrievably lost when the computer crashed.
- The damage to the environment is irretrievably irreversible.
beyond recovery
In a manner that cannot be brought back or restored; beyond the point of retrieval.
Synonyms
beyond repair, hopelessly, permanently.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| irretrievably |
This word, being an exact duplicate of the first entry, shares the same context involving loss or damage that can never be recovered or fixed.
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| beyond repair |
This phrase is used when something is damaged so badly that fixing it is impossible. It's often used for physical objects but can also apply to relationships or situations.
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| hopelessly |
This word is used when there is no hope or chance of improvement in a situation. It has a more emotional tone and can refer to feelings and states, not just physical conditions. It can also be used negatively to convey despair.
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| permanently |
This word is best for situations where something is intended to last forever or for an indefinite long duration. It indicates a state that will not change.
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Examples of usage
- The trust between them was irretrievably broken.
- The relationship was irretrievably damaged.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feelings of loss often associate with the concept of being irretrievable, impacting emotional well-being.
- People may struggle with accepting irretrievable situations, which can lead to grief or anxiety.
- The term is often used in discussions of trauma, indicating experiences that cannot be reversed.
Literature
- In classic literature, themes of irretrievable moments often highlight the tragedy of time passing.
- Famous authors like Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald explore the idea of lost opportunities through characters grappling with the past.
- Poetry frequently employs the word to evoke deep feelings of nostalgia and regret.
Technology
- In the digital age, lost data may be described as irretrievable if it cannot be restored after deletion.
- Irretrievable features in software can pose significant challenges for users, leading to calls for better backup solutions.
- The concept also arises in discussions about cybersecurity, as lost or stolen data might never be recovered.
Environmental Concerns
- Extinct species are referred to as irretrievably lost, highlighting the importance of conservation.
- Ecosystem degradation can lead to irretrievable loss of biodiversity, threatening ecological balance.
- The irreversible effects of climate change are often discussed in terms of irretrievable damage to our planet.
Origin of 'irretrievably'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin word 'retrahere,' meaning 'to draw back.'
- It combines the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' and 'retrieve,' which means to get back.
- The modern use of this term became prominent in English around the 19th century.
The word 'irretrievably' originated from the combination of the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' and the word 'retrievably' which comes from 'retrieve', ultimately from Latin 're-' (back) and 'trahere' (to draw). The concept of irretrievably losing something has been a common theme throughout history, with various civilizations experiencing losses that were deemed irreparable or beyond recovery.
See also: irretrievable, retrievable, retrieval, retriever.