irreconcilable

American  

[ih-rek-uhn-sahy-luh-buhl, ih-rek-uhn-sahy-] / ɪˈrɛk ənˌsaɪ lə bəl, ɪˌrɛk ənˈsaɪ- /

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.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is irreconcilable.

2. a person who is opposed to agreement or compromise.

irreconcilable British  

/ ɪˌrɛkənˈsaɪ-, ɪˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbəl /

adjective

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

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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

Other Word Forms

• irreconcilability noun
• irreconcilableness noun
• irreconcilably adverb

Etymology

Origin of irreconcilable

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

Example Sentences

Both sides may be issuing largely maximalist lists of irreconcilable demands but there is still a suggestion of a possible meeting in Pakistan.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Hyde shows that even on ostensibly irreconcilable issues, political compromise doesn’t always require surrendering one’s principles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

The flag itself has been a symbol of starkly irreconcilable ideals.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

In times of high uncertainty, irreconcilable differences may mean further changes to the statement would mean robbing Peter to pay Paul.

From Barron's • Dec. 12, 2025

That year the paths of Jaime and Nicolas separated for good, because their differences had become irreconcilable.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

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