irreconcilable

[ ih-rek-uhn-sahy-luh-buhl, ih-rek-uhn-sahy- ]

adjective

1. incapable of being brought into harmony or adjustment; incompatible:

   irreconcilable differences.

2. incapable of being made to acquiesce or compromise; implacably opposed:

   irreconcilable enemies.

noun

1. a person or thing that is irreconcilable.
2. a person who is opposed to agreement or compromise.

irreconcilable

/ ɪˌrɛkənˈsaɪ-; ɪˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be reconciled; uncompromisingly conflicting; incompatible

noun

1. a person or thing that is implacably hostile or uncompromisingly opposed
2. usually plural one of various principles, ideas, etc, that are incapable of being brought into agreement

Derived Forms

• irˈreconˌcilably, adverb
• irˌreconˌcilaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• ir·recon·cila·bili·ty ir·recon·cila·ble·ness noun
• ir·recon·cila·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of irreconcilable¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; ir- ² + reconcilable

Example Sentences

His complaint, obtained Wednesday by The Times, said that he and Prepon, both 44, had “suffered irreconcilable differences” and “are unable to live together successfully as husband and wife.”

From Los Angeles Times

The crunch came in crisis talks this week, when it became clear that both sides were irreconcilable.

From BBC

Mellencamp, 43, cites “irreconcilable differences” and is seeking physical and legal custody over the three minor children she shares with Arroyave, according to court documents.

From Los Angeles Times

No-fault divorce currently allows spouses to file over "irreconcilable differences," "incompatibility" or because their marriages are "irretrievably broken," among other synonyms, with specific language depending on the state.

From Salon

The pair married in 1994 and divorced two years later citing "irreconcilable differences."

From Salon

Related Words

• implacable
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsistent
• inexorable
• uncompromising