Meaning & Definition of word "Irreconcilable"

Irreconcilable

/ˌɪrɪˈkɒnsɪəbl/

noun:

  • 1. A person who cannot be reconciled; a person with irreconcilable beliefs.
    • Example: She has become an irreconcilable, refusing to accept any form of negotiation.

adjective:

  • 1. Unable to be reconciled; incompatible.
    • Example: The two parties have irreconcilable differences that prevent any chance of a compromise.
  • 2. Incapable of being settled or resolved.
    • Example: His irreconcilable beliefs about politics often lead to heated arguments with friends.
  • 3. Difficult or impossible to bring into harmony.
    • Example: Their irreconcilable opinions on how to raise the children caused significant strain in their marriage.

Etymology

From Latin 'irreconciliabilis', meaning 'not able to be reconciled'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

irreconcilable differences:

Fundamental disagreements that cannot be resolved.

irreconcilable conflicts:

Conflicts where opposing sides cannot reach an agreement.

Related Words

reconciliation:

The restoration of friendly relations after a conflict.

irreconcilability:

The quality of being impossible to reconcile.

Slang Meanings of irreconcilable

Meaning: A situation that's beyond fixing.

Example Sentence: Their relationship was completely irreconcilable; it was just over.

Meaning: Stubborn refusal to change positions.

Example Sentence: He was being totally irreconcilable about their disagreement.