irremediable
UK: ˌɪrɪˈmiːdiəbl̩ | US: ˌɪrɪˈmiːdiəbl̩
adj. impossible to cure, correct, or repair
adj. beyond hope of remedy or improvement
irremediable = ir<not> + remedi<remedy> + able<capable of>
- ir (prefix): Negation, from Latin "in-" (not), assimilated to "ir-" before "r."
- remedi (root): From Latin "remedium" (remedy, cure), derived from "re-" (again) + "mederi" (to heal).
- able (suffix): From Latin "-abilis," indicating capability or susceptibility.
Etymology Origin:
The word "irremediable" traces back to Latin through Old French. The prefix "ir-" negates the root "remedi," which originally meant "to heal again" (from "re-" + "mederi"). Over time, "remedium" evolved into "remedy" in English, retaining its core meaning of a solution or cure. The suffix "-able" was added to form an adjective meaning "capable of being remedied." Thus, "irremediable" literally means "not capable of being remedied," emphasizing permanence or hopelessness.
The damage to the ancient manuscript was irremediable after the fire.
Some genetic conditions are currently irremediable by modern medicine.
His reputation suffered irremediable harm after the scandal.
The therapist concluded that the patient's condition was irremediable.
Environmental pollution has caused irremediable harm to the ecosystem.