inexpiable
UK: ɪnˈɛkspɪəb(ə)l | US: ɪnˈɛkspiəb(ə)l
adj. (of a wrong or offense) incapable of being atoned for or forgiven; unpardonable.
inexpiable = in<not> + expi<atone> + able<capable of>
- in: Prefix meaning "not," from Latin in- (negation).
- expi: Root derived from Latin expiare ("to atone"), combining ex- (thoroughly) + piare (to appease, from pius "dutiful").
- able: Suffix meaning "capable of," from Latin -abilis.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin inexpiabilis, blending negation (in-) with expiabilis ("capable of atonement"). The root expiare originally referred to ritual purification, later secularizing into moral or emotional redress. The term retains its severe connotation, emphasizing irredeemable guilt.
The dictator's crimes were deemed inexpiable by the international court.
Her betrayal felt inexpiable, leaving their friendship shattered.
Some religious doctrines teach that blasphemy is an inexpiable sin.
The novel explores the theme of inexpiable guilt haunting the protagonist.
No apology could remedy what he saw as an inexpiable wrong.