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Irretrievably: meaning, definitions and examples

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irretrievably

 

[ɪˌrɪˈtriːvəbli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

lost forever

In a way that cannot be recovered or regained; permanently lost.

Synonyms

irreparably, irreversibly, permanently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irretrievably

Used to describe situations where something cannot be recovered or undone. Often used in emotional or serious contexts.

  • The documents were irretrievably lost in the fire.
  • Their relationship was irretrievably damaged after the betrayal.
permanently

Used to describe something that is intended to last indefinitely. Common in everyday contexts.

  • She has permanently moved to Canada.
  • This marker is designed to write permanently on surfaces.
irreversibly

Used to refer to situations or changes that cannot be undone. Often used in scientific, environmental, or medical contexts.

  • Climate change is causing irreversible damage to our planet.
  • The surgery will irreversibly alter her appearance.
irreparably

Used when something is damaged or harmed beyond repair. Commonly used in physical damage or severe emotional context.

  • The vase was irreparably shattered into tiny pieces.
  • They were irreparably broken-hearted after the incident.

Examples of usage

  • The data was irretrievably lost when the computer crashed.
  • The damage to the environment is irretrievably irreversible.
Context #2 | Adverb

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?

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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.

  • The classic manuscript was irretrievably damaged in the fire.
  • The evidence was irretrievably destroyed.
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.

  • The car was beyond repair after the accident.
  • Their friendship was beyond repair after the huge argument.
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.

  • He was hopelessly in love with her despite knowing she didn’t feel the same.
  • They were hopelessly lost in the dense forest.
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.

  • She moved to Europe permanently.
  • The scar on his face will remain permanently.

Examples of usage

  • The trust between them was irretrievably broken.
  • The relationship was irretrievably damaged.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "irretrievably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irremediavelmente

🇮🇳 अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से

🇩🇪 unwiederbringlich

🇮🇩 tidak dapat diperbaiki

🇺🇦 безповоротно

🇵🇱 nieodwracalnie

🇯🇵 取り返しがつかないほど

🇫🇷 irrémédiablement

🇪🇸 irremediablemente

🇹🇷 geri dönüşü olmayan bir şekilde

🇰🇷 돌이킬 수 없을 정도로

🇸🇦 بشكل لا رجعة فيه

🇨🇿 nenávratně

🇸🇰 nenávratne

🇨🇳 不可挽回地

🇸🇮 nepopravljivo

🇮🇸 óafturkræft

🇰🇿 қалпына келмейтіндей

🇬🇪 გაუქმებლად

🇦🇿 geri dönməz

🇲🇽 irremediablemente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,084, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.