Unrecoverable: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in technical contexts to describe something that cannot be restored or gained back, often related to data or losses.

• The server crashed and all the recent files are unrecoverable
• The investor's funds turned out to be unrecoverable after the fraud

Applies to something that cannot be recovered or brought back, often relating to time, opportunities, or objects.

• The time lost during the project is irretrievable
• The opportunity was missed and now it’s irretrievable

Used for something that cannot be fixed or repaired. Frequent in emotional, physical, or structural contexts.

• The trust between them was broken beyond repair; it was irreparable
• The building sustained irreparable damage in the earthquake

Suitable for describing a problem or situation that cannot be corrected or fixed. Often used in medical, environmental, or serious personal issues.

• The disease has reached an irremediable stage
• The environmental damage caused by the oil spill was irremediable