incorrigibility
UK: ɪnˌkɒr.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti | US: ɪnˌkɔːr.ɪ.dʒəˈbɪl.ə.ti
n. the quality or state of being incapable of being corrected, improved, or reformed
incorrigibility = in<not> + corrig<correct> + ibility<noun suffix indicating quality>
- in: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- corrig: Root derived from Latin corrigere ("to correct"), combining com- (intensive) + regere ("to guide, rule").
- ibility: Noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (from Latin -ibilitas).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin incorrigibilis, where in- negates corrigibilis ("correctable"). The root corrigere reflects the idea of "setting straight" (from regere, "to rule"). Over time, incorrigibility evolved in English (16th century) to describe stubbornness or unchangeable behavior, preserving the logical progression from "not correctable" to moral or behavioral rigidity.
His incorrigibility frustrated even the most patient teachers.
The criminal’s incorrigibility led to a life sentence.
Despite interventions, the child’s incorrigibility worsened.
The novel’s villain embodies pure incorrigibility.
Society often labels rebellious youth with unfair assumptions of incorrigibility.