incurable
UK: ɪnˈkjʊərəbl | US: ɪnˈkjʊrəbl
adj. (of a disease or condition) unable to be cured
adj. (of a person) not able to be reformed or corrected
n. a person or thing that cannot be cured or corrected
The word "incurable" originates from Latin "incurabilis," combining the negative prefix "in-" (not) with "curabilis" (curable). The root "cur" derives from Latin "curare" (to care for or heal), which also gives us words like "cure" and "curative." The suffix "-able" indicates capability. Thus, "incurable" literally means "not capable of being healed." Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe irreparable behaviors or situations.
The doctor delivered the devastating news that the illness was incurable.
His stubbornness seems almost incurable, no matter how much advice he receives.
Some ancient cultures viewed certain mental conditions as incurable curses.
Despite advances in medicine, a few diseases remain incurable.
The novel’s antagonist was portrayed as an incurable optimist, even in dire circumstances.