irretrievable

[ ir-i-tree-vuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not capable of being retrieved; irrecoverable; irreparable.

irretrievable

/ ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be retrieved, recovered, or repaired

Derived Forms

• ˌirreˈtrievably, adverb
• ˌirreˌtrievaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• irre·trieva·bili·ty irre·trieva·ble·ness noun
• irre·trieva·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of irretrievable¹

1695–1705; ir- ² + retrievable ( def )

Example Sentences

"We have detailed strenuously for years that neither regulators nor industry can ensure against the permanent and irretrievable damage to Grand Canyon's aquifers and springs," McKinnon added.

From Salon

North Korea accused South Korea of scrapping the deal, known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement, and said Seoul will be held "wholly accountable in case an irretrievable clash breaks out" between the two Koreas.

From Reuters

Posner toys with plot points and character names, but the basic storyline is the same and the essential Chekhovian angst over squandered potential and irretrievable loss is preserved.

From Los Angeles Times

The result, she claimed, was “irretrievable reputational and emotional harm,” with herself and Bartiromo scapegoated in the Dominion lawsuit as “sacrificial female lambs.”

From Los Angeles Times

The requests to Snapchat, however, failed to yield worthwhile evidence because Jackson and the boys used settings that made the images they shared irretrievable, according to charging documents.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• absent
• adrift
• disoriented
• hidden
• invisible
• misplaced
• vanished