irréparable in 30 Seconds
- Cannot be fixed or restored.
- Permanent damage, beyond repair.
- Used for objects and abstract concepts.
- Implies finality and loss.
Understanding "Irréparable"
- Core Meaning
- The French adjective "irréparable" describes something that cannot be fixed, mended, or restored to its original state. It signifies a state of complete and permanent damage.
- Scope of Use
- While it can refer to physical objects, "irréparable" is frequently used to describe abstract damage or harm, such as emotional wounds, broken relationships, or environmental destruction. It carries a sense of finality and often implies a significant loss or negative consequence.
- Contextual Nuance
- In everyday conversation, "irréparable" suggests that any attempt to fix the situation would be futile. It's a strong word that emphasizes the severity of the damage. For example, a cracked vase might be repairable, but a completely shattered one is likely irreparable. Similarly, a harsh word spoken in anger could cause irreparable damage to a friendship.
The damage to the ancient monument was considered irréparable.
- Figurative Language
- Figuratively, it can denote a loss of innocence, a permanent change in character, or the destruction of something intangible but valuable. The word conveys a sense of irreversible change, often with negative connotations, highlighting the finality of a situation.
Putting "Irréparable" into Practice
- Basic Sentence Structure
- "Irréparable" typically follows the noun it modifies, or it can be used predicatively with the verb "être" (to be). Remember that as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. For masculine singular nouns, it remains "irréparable". For feminine singular nouns, it also remains "irréparable" because it ends in 'e'. For masculine plural nouns, it becomes "irréparables", and for feminine plural nouns, it also becomes "irréparables".
- Examples with Physical Objects
- When talking about tangible items, "irréparable" emphasizes that the item is beyond repair. For instance, "La voiture a subi des dégâts irréparables après l'accident." (The car suffered irreparable damage after the accident.) or "Ce vieux livre est tombé et sa couverture est désormais irréparable." (This old book fell, and its cover is now irreparable.)
- Examples with Abstract Concepts
- The adjective is very common when discussing harm to relationships, reputation, or emotional states. For example, "Ses paroles ont causé un tort irréparable à sa réputation." (His words caused irreparable harm to his reputation.) or "La confiance brisée entre eux était devenue irréparable." (The broken trust between them had become irreparable.)
The environmental disaster left behind damage that was considered irréparable.
- Using "Être" with "Irréparable"
- Using "être" makes the statement more direct about the state of being irreparable. For instance, "Le tissu de cette robe est trop abîmé pour être sauvé; il est irréparable." (The fabric of this dress is too damaged to be saved; it is irreparable.)
Real-World Usage of "Irréparable"
- News and Current Events
- You'll frequently encounter "irréparable" in news reports discussing disasters, conflicts, or environmental issues. For example, reports on oil spills often describe the damage to marine ecosystems as "irréparable". Similarly, discussions about war crimes might refer to the psychological trauma inflicted on victims as "irréparable".
- Legal and Formal Contexts
- In legal settings, "irréparable" can describe damages that cannot be compensated by monetary means, such as the loss of a unique historical artifact or the permanent damage to one's reputation. Lawyers might argue that certain actions have caused "préjudice irréparable" (irreparable harm).
- Literature and Philosophy
- Authors and thinkers use "irréparable" to explore themes of loss, regret, and the irreversible nature of certain events. A character might reflect on a past mistake that led to "une blessure irréparable" (an irreparable wound) in their soul, or a philosophical text might discuss the "dommage irréparable" caused by societal indifference.
The ancient forest suffered irréparable damage from the wildfire.
- Personal Conversations
- In more personal conversations, people might use "irréparable" to express deep disappointment or the finality of a broken relationship. For example, after a severe argument, someone might say, "Je crois que notre amitié est maintenant irréparable." (I think our friendship is now irreparable.)
Avoiding Pitfalls with "Irréparable"
- Overusing for Minor Issues
- A common mistake is using "irréparable" for things that are actually fixable with some effort. If a button falls off a shirt, the shirt is not irreparable; it just needs sewing. "Irréparable" should be reserved for situations where repair is genuinely impossible or extremely impractical.
- Ignoring Gender and Number Agreement
- As an adjective, "irréparable" must agree with the noun it modifies. Forgetting to make it plural ("irréparables") when referring to multiple items or failing to recognize that it doesn't change for feminine singular nouns can lead to grammatical errors. For example, "les pertes irréparables" (the irreparable losses) is correct, not "les pertes irréparable".
- Confusing with "Réparable"
- The most basic confusion is mixing up "irréparable" (irreparable) with its opposite, "réparable" (repairable). Always ensure you mean something that *cannot* be fixed before using "irréparable".
Saying the torn page is irréparable when it just needs tape is a mistake.
- Using in Situations of Temporary Damage
- "Irréparable" implies a permanent state. Using it for temporary setbacks or damage that can be easily reversed is inaccurate. For example, if a computer crashes but can be rebooted and all data is recovered, the crash was not "irréparable".
Exploring Synonyms and Related Terms
- Irreversible
- 'Irréversible' is a very close synonym, often interchangeable with 'irréparable', especially when referring to processes or changes that cannot be undone. For example, 'un changement irréversible' (an irreversible change) and 'un dommage irréparable' (irreparable damage) both convey a sense of finality. However, 'irréparable' often carries a stronger connotation of damage or defect, while 'irréversible' can describe a broader range of changes.
- Definitif
- 'Définitif' means final or conclusive. While related, it doesn't always imply damage. A 'décision définitive' (final decision) is not necessarily irreparable. However, in some contexts, a definitive outcome might result from irreparable damage. It's less about the state of being broken and more about the finality of a situation.
- Sans remède
- Literally meaning 'without remedy', 'sans remède' is a strong alternative that emphasizes the hopelessness of the situation. It's often used for illnesses or problems that cannot be cured or solved. For example, 'une situation sans remède' (a hopeless situation) is very similar in meaning to a situation with irreparable damage.
The historical artifact was broken in a way that was irréparable.
- Incurable
- Primarily used for diseases or conditions, 'incurable' means something cannot be cured. While it implies a lack of remedy, it's typically applied to health-related issues rather than general damage. An 'maladie incurable' (incurable disease) is a specific type of irreparable condition.
- Endommagé (Damaged)
- 'Endommagé' is a more general term for 'damaged'. Something that is 'endommagé' might still be repairable. 'Irréparable' signifies a more extreme and permanent form of damage. You could say something is 'fortement endommagé' (heavily damaged), but if it's beyond fixing, it becomes 'irréparable'.
How Formal Is It?
"L'exploitation abusive des ressources naturelles a engendré une dégradation irréparable des écosystèmes."
"Le vieux jouet est tombé et maintenant il est irréparable."
"Ah, mon téléphone est tombé et l'écran est complètement cassé, c'est irréparable !"
"Le dessin est tout déchiré et on ne peut pas le réparer, c'est irréparable."
Fun Fact
The prefix 'in-' in French often becomes 'im-' before 'p' or 'b' (e.g., impossible, imbattable). However, in 'irréparable', it remains 'ir-' because the root word is 'réparer', and the prefix attaches to the adjective form derived from it. This is a common pattern where prefixes can vary slightly based on the surrounding sounds and the etymological history of the word.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
- Not stressing the final syllable.
- Mispronouncing the vowel sounds, especially the 'é'.
Difficulty Rating
At A2 level, understanding 'irréparable' requires recognizing its core meaning of 'cannot be fixed'. Complex sentence structures or abstract contexts might pose a challenge, but simple declarative sentences are manageable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
"Irréparable" must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Since it ends in 'e', it remains the same for masculine and feminine singular forms (le vase irréparable, la voiture irréparable). For plural forms, it becomes 'irréparables' (les dégâts irréparables, les pertes irréparables).
Placement of Adjectives
Usually, 'irréparable' follows the noun (e.g., 'un dommage irréparable'). However, it can also be used predicatively with 'être' (e.g., 'Ce vase est irréparable').
Using 'C'est' with Adjectives
In spoken French, 'C'est irréparable' is a common way to state that something is irreparable, especially when referring to a general situation or object.
Using 'Il est + adjective + de + infinitive'
This structure can be used to describe an action as irreparable. For instance, 'Il est irréparable de revenir en arrière' (It is irreparable to go back).
Using 'Avoir' + Noun + Adjective
To express that something has suffered irreparable damage. For example, 'La voiture a subi des dégâts irréparables.'
Examples by Level
Le jouet est cassé.
The toy is broken.
Simple past tense with 'être'.
La tasse est tombée.
The cup fell.
Past tense with 'être'.
C'est pas bien.
It's not good.
Basic negation.
Je ne peux pas.
I cannot.
Expressing inability.
C'est fini.
It's finished.
Indicating completion or end.
Plus de pain.
No more bread.
Expressing lack of something.
Trop tard.
Too late.
Indicating lateness.
C'est cassé et je ne peux pas le réparer.
It's broken and I cannot fix it.
Combining simple concepts.
Le vase est tombé et maintenant il est irréparable.
The vase fell and now it is irreparable.
Using 'irréparable' with 'être' for a physical object.
Après l'accident, la voiture a subi des dégâts irréparables.
After the accident, the car suffered irreparable damage.
Using 'irréparable' with 'dégâts' (damage).
La vieille machine est cassée et semble irréparable.
The old machine is broken and seems irreparable.
Using 'sembler' (to seem) with 'irréparable'.
Mes chaussures sont trop usées, elles sont irréparables.
My shoes are too worn out, they are irreparable.
Describing a state of being irreparable.
Le lien entre eux est devenu irréparable.
The bond between them became irreparable.
Abstract use of 'irréparable'.
La situation est grave et peut-être irréparable.
The situation is serious and perhaps irreparable.
Using 'peut-être' (perhaps) with 'irréparable'.
Il a dit quelque chose de blessant, un tort irréparable.
He said something hurtful, an irreparable wrong.
Using 'tort' (wrong/harm) with 'irréparable'.
Certains problèmes sont malheureusement irréparables.
Some problems are unfortunately irreparable.
Adding an adverb 'malheureusement' (unfortunately).
Les dégâts causés par l'inondation étaient irréparables pour de nombreuses maisons.
The damage caused by the flood was irreparable for many houses.
Past participle with 'être'.
Une fois la confiance brisée, il est souvent irréparable de la reconstruire.
Once trust is broken, it is often irreparable to rebuild it.
Using 'il est irréparable de...' structure.
Le comportement de l'entreprise a causé un préjudice irréparable à l'environnement.
The company's behavior caused irreparable harm to the environment.
Formal context, 'préjudice' (harm/damage).
Elle a réalisé que son erreur était irréparable et a dû accepter les conséquences.
She realized her mistake was irreparable and had to accept the consequences.
Using 'réaliser que' (to realize that).
La perte de cet artefact historique est irréparable pour le patrimoine culturel.
The loss of this historical artifact is irreparable for cultural heritage.
Abstract noun with 'irréparable'.
Les cicatrices émotionnelles laissées par cette expérience sont souvent irréparables.
The emotional scars left by this experience are often irreparable.
Figurative use for emotional impact.
Il est difficile d'imaginer un scénario où une telle destruction pourrait être irréparable.
It is difficult to imagine a scenario where such destruction could be irreparable.
Using 'pouvoir' (can/could) with 'irréparable'.
La négligence a conduit à une situation financière irréparable pour la petite entreprise.
Negligence led to an irreparable financial situation for the small business.
Financial context.
Les consequences écologiques de la déforestation massive sont souvent considérées comme irréparables à l'échelle mondiale.
The ecological consequences of massive deforestation are often considered irreparable on a global scale.
Complex sentence structure, global context.
Il a plaidé que la violation de données constituait un préjudice irréparable pour la vie privée des utilisateurs.
He argued that the data breach constituted irreparable harm to users' privacy.
Legal/technical context, 'plaider que' (to argue that).
La destruction de cet écosystème unique représente une perte irréparable pour la biodiversité.
The destruction of this unique ecosystem represents an irreparable loss for biodiversity.
Scientific/environmental context.
Certains actes de cruauté laissent des traumatismes psychologiques si profonds qu'ils peuvent être qualifiés d'irréparables.
Some acts of cruelty leave psychological traumas so deep they can be described as irreparable.
Psychological context, 'qualifier de' (to describe as).
Le manque de dialogue a créé un fossé irréparable entre les deux factions politiques.
The lack of dialogue created an irreparable chasm between the two political factions.
Political context, 'fossé' (chasm).
L'artiste a déclaré que son inspiration était tarie, une situation qu'il jugeait irréparable pour sa carrière.
The artist declared that his inspiration had dried up, a situation he considered irreparable for his career.
Creative/professional context, 'juger' (to consider/judge).
La fracture sociale engendrée par cette politique pourrait avoir des répercussions irréparables sur la cohésion nationale.
The social fracture engendered by this policy could have irreparable repercussions on national cohesion.
Sociological context, 'engendrée par' (engendered by).
Il est primordial de comprendre que certaines erreurs de jugement peuvent avoir des conséquences irréparables.
It is paramount to understand that certain errors in judgment can have irreparable consequences.
Philosophical/ethical context, 'primordial de' (paramount to).
La dégradation accélérée des récifs coralliens due au réchauffement climatique pose un problème irréparable pour l'équilibre marin.
The accelerated degradation of coral reefs due to climate change poses an irreparable problem for marine balance.
Complex scientific and environmental terminology.
L'impact de la désinformation sur la confiance publique peut engendrer une érosion irréparable des institutions démocratiques.
The impact of disinformation on public trust can engender an irreparable erosion of democratic institutions.
Abstract and political science terminology.
La perte de savoirs ancestraux, souvent transmise oralement, constitue une lacune irréparable pour l'histoire et l'anthropologie.
The loss of ancestral knowledge, often transmitted orally, constitutes an irreparable gap for history and anthropology.
Academic and cultural heritage context.
Le cynisme ambiant, nourri par des scandales à répétition, risque de provoquer une aliénation irréparable du citoyen envers la sphère politique.
The prevailing cynicism, fueled by repeated scandals, risks causing an irreparable alienation of the citizen from the political sphere.
Sophisticated socio-political vocabulary.
La manipulation génétique non régulée pourrait potentiellement engendrer des altérations irréparables dans le patrimoine génétique humain.
Unregulated genetic manipulation could potentially engender irreparable alterations in the human genetic heritage.
Scientific and ethical discourse.
L'effacement de certaines mémoires collectives par des récits historiques biaisés représente une falsification irréparable de la vérité.
The erasure of certain collective memories by biased historical narratives represents an irreparable falsification of truth.
Historical and philosophical critique.
La désuétude de langues minoritaires, faute de transmission intergénérationnelle, aboutit à une perte irréparable de diversité culturelle.
The obsolescence of minority languages, due to lack of intergenerational transmission, leads to an irreparable loss of cultural diversity.
Linguistic and cultural studies context.
L'exploitation excessive des ressources naturelles a conduit à une dégradation irréparable de l'équilibre écologique planétaire.
The excessive exploitation of natural resources has led to an irreparable degradation of the planetary ecological balance.
Environmental science and economics context.
La dialectique du pouvoir, lorsqu'elle culmine dans la tyrannie, peut infliger à l'âme collective une blessure psychique irréparable, dont les séquelles perdurent au-delà des générations.
The dialectic of power, when it culminates in tyranny, can inflict on the collective soul an irreparable psychic wound, the after-effects of which endure beyond generations.
Highly abstract philosophical and psychological language.
La déconstruction systématique des fondements éthiques d'une société par des idéologies radicales engendre une scission ontologique potentiellement irréparable, remettant en cause la pérennité même de son tissu social.
The systematic deconstruction of a society's ethical foundations by radical ideologies engenders a potentially irreparable ontological schism, calling into question the very perpetuity of its social fabric.
Advanced philosophical and sociological discourse.
L'aliénation post-industrielle, caractérisée par la fragmentation du lien social et la déshumanisation du travail, laisse une empreinte irréparable sur la psyché humaine, favorisant l'anomie et le désenchantement existentiel.
Post-industrial alienation, characterized by the fragmentation of social bonds and the dehumanization of work, leaves an irreparable imprint on the human psyche, fostering anomie and existential disillusionment.
Complex socio-economic and psychological terminology.
La perpétuation d'injustices structurelles, par l'inertie des systèmes et le déni des responsabilités, aboutit à une altération irréparable du contrat social, minant la légitimité des institutions et exacerbant les tensions communautaires.
The perpetuation of structural injustices, through systemic inertia and denial of responsibility, leads to an irreparable alteration of the social contract, undermining the legitimacy of institutions and exacerbating community tensions.
Political science and sociology jargon.
La dissipation irréversible des savoirs traditionnels, conjuguée à l'uniformisation culturelle induite par la mondialisation, risque de créer un vide mémoriel irréparable, privant les générations futures d'un héritage inestimable.
The irreversible dissipation of traditional knowledge, combined with the cultural homogenization induced by globalization, risks creating an irreparable mnemonic void, depriving future generations of an invaluable heritage.
Cultural studies and globalization discourse.
L'anthropocène, par ses perturbations systémiques du biotope planétaire, a initié une cascade de rétroactions négatives dont les conséquences irréparables redéfinissent la trajectoire évolutive de la biosphère.
The Anthropocene, through its systemic disruptions of the planetary biotope, has initiated a cascade of negative feedback loops whose irreparable consequences are redefining the evolutionary trajectory of the biosphere.
Advanced environmental science and earth systems terminology.
L'érosion de l'esprit critique, face à la prolifération d'informations fallacieuses et à la polarisation idéologique, constitue une menace irréparable pour l'exercice d'une citoyenneté éclairée et autonome.
The erosion of critical thinking, in the face of the proliferation of fallacious information and ideological polarization, constitutes an irreparable threat to the exercise of enlightened and autonomous citizenship.
Critical thinking and media studies terminology.
La dégradation de la santé mentale à l'échelle globale, exacerbée par les pressions socio-économiques et l'isolement numérique, peut engendrer une fragilité psychique irréparable, sapant le bien-être individuel et collectif.
The global decline in mental health, exacerbated by socio-economic pressures and digital isolation, can engender irreparable psychic fragility, undermining individual and collective well-being.
Psychology and public health discourse.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It's irreparable. This is a direct statement of finality regarding damage.
J'ai essayé de le recoller, mais le tissu est trop déchiré. C'est irréparable.
— An irreparable harm or wrong. It signifies damage that cannot be undone.
Les rumeurs ont causé un tort irréparable à sa réputation professionnelle.
— Irreparable damage. Used for physical or abstract harm that cannot be fixed.
L'incendie a causé des dégâts irréparables à l'intérieur de la maison.
— An irreparable situation. Describes a state of affairs that cannot be improved or resolved.
Après leur dispute, leur relation était dans une situation irréparable.
— An irreparable loss. Refers to the permanent loss of something valuable.
La mort de son mentor a été une perte irréparable pour lui.
— The damage is irreparable. A straightforward declaration of the severity of the damage.
Le choc a été si violent que le dommage est irréparable.
— An irreparable wound, often used metaphorically for emotional or psychological harm.
Les mots qu'il a prononcés ont laissé une blessure irréparable.
— Caused irreparable harm. A more formal or legalistic way to express causing severe damage.
L'action de l'entreprise a causé un préjudice irréparable aux consommateurs.
— There is no remedy, it's irreparable. Emphasizes the lack of solution.
J'ai essayé toutes les solutions, mais il n'y a pas de remède, c'est irréparable.
— An irreparable mistake. A mistake that has severe and lasting negative consequences.
Oublier de fermer le coffre-fort était une erreur irréparable.
Idioms & Expressions
— This idiom means it's the last straw, the final event that makes a situation unbearable or leads to a breakdown. While not directly using 'irréparable', the situation it describes often leads to an irreparable state.
Après des années de mauvais traitements, le dernier incident a été la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase, rendant leur relation irréparable.
— To hurt someone. While not an idiom in itself, this action can lead to an 'irréparable' emotional wound.
Ses paroles ont fait du mal à sa mère, laissant une blessure irréparable.
— To give up, to admit defeat. This action is often taken when a situation is perceived as irreparable.
Face à tant d'obstacles, il a fini par jeter l'éponge, considérant le projet comme irréparable.
— To have a broken heart. This emotional state is often described as an 'irréparable' wound.
Après la rupture, elle avait le cœur brisé, une douleur qu'elle pensait irréparable.
— To put an end to something. This can be the action taken when a situation becomes irreparable.
Compte tenu des dégâts irréparables, ils ont décidé de mettre fin à leur partenariat.
— To blame someone. This can sometimes lead to irreparable damage to relationships.
Rejeter la faute sur lui a causé une fracture irréparable entre eux.
— To be in a deadlock or impasse. This situation often implies that progress is impossible, similar to being in an irreparable state.
Les négociations sont dans une impasse, et la situation semble irréparable.
— To no longer be able to go back. This signifies an irreversible step, much like 'irréparable'.
Ce qu'il a fait est irréparable ; il ne peut plus revenir en arrière.
— It's no longer possible. A simple statement that can imply an irreparable situation.
J'ai essayé de réparer la machine, mais ce n'est plus possible, le moteur est irréparable.
— The damage is done. This phrase signifies that harm has occurred and cannot be undone, often leading to an irreparable state.
Il a dit des choses terribles, et maintenant le mal est fait, l'amitié est irréparable.
Sentence Patterns
Le/La [noun] est irréparable.
Le jouet est irréparable.
C'est irréparable.
J'ai essayé, mais c'est irréparable.
Des dégâts irréparables.
Il y a des dégâts irréparables.
Le/La [noun] a subi des dégâts irréparables.
La voiture a subi des dégâts irréparables.
Un [noun] irréparable.
Une perte irréparable.
Causer un préjudice irréparable.
Ses actions ont causé un préjudice irréparable.
Une situation irréparable.
Leur relation était dans une situation irréparable.
L'impact de [noun] est irréparable.
L'impact de la pollutio
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'irreparable' car that is so damaged, it looks like it's 'ray-pah-rah-bluh' (sounds like the French pronunciation) because it's beyond all repair. The 'ir-' prefix signifies 'not', so it's 'not repairable'.
Visual Association
Picture a shattered mirror. No matter how hard you try, you can't put it back together perfectly. It's 'irréparable'. Or imagine a beautiful vase that has fallen and broken into tiny pieces – it's impossible to fix.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things in your home that are 'irréparable' and explain why. If you can't think of three, describe one thing that is 'réparable' and one that is 'irréparable' to highlight the contrast.
Word Origin
The word 'irréparable' comes from Latin. It is formed by the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') combined with the verb 'reparare' (meaning 'to repair, to restore'). The suffix '-able' indicates capacity.
Original meaning: The original Latin meaning was 'not able to be repaired' or 'not able to be restored'.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance languages > FrenchCultural Context
The term 'irréparable' can be sensitive when referring to emotional trauma, personal loss, or significant societal damage. It should be used with care to avoid trivializing serious issues.
In English, 'irreparable' carries the same meaning of being impossible to repair or fix. It's used in similar contexts, from physical objects to abstract damage like 'irreparable harm'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing damaged objects.
- Le vase est irréparable.
- La voiture a subi des dégâts irréparables.
- Mes chaussures sont irréparables.
Discussing broken relationships or trust.
- Leur amitié est irréparable.
- La confiance est irréparable.
- Une blessure irréparable.
Talking about environmental or historical damage.
- Dommages irréparables à l'environnement.
- Une perte irréparable pour le patrimoine.
Expressing severe consequences of actions.
- Un tort irréparable.
- Une erreur irréparable.
- Des conséquences irréparables.
Legal or formal discussions of harm.
- Préjudice irréparable.
- Subir un préjudice irréparable.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever encountered something that was truly irreparable?"
"Can you think of a time when a mistake felt irreparable?"
"What's the difference between something broken and something irreparable?"
"In what situations do you think damage is always irreparable?"
"How do you cope with situations that feel irreparable?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you witnessed or experienced something irreparable. What were the feelings associated with it?
Reflect on the difference between physical and emotional irreparable damage. Which do you find more impactful?
Imagine a scenario where a significant loss is irreparable. How would you find meaning or move forward?
Write about a time you or someone you know had to accept that something was irreparable. What was the process like?
Consider the idea of societal irreparable damage. What are some examples, and what can be done (if anything)?
Summary
Irréparable signifies a state of irreversible damage, meaning something cannot be fixed, mended, or restored to its original condition. It applies to both physical objects and abstract concepts like relationships or reputations.
- Cannot be fixed or restored.
- Permanent damage, beyond repair.
- Used for objects and abstract concepts.
- Implies finality and loss.
Related Content
More work words
à distance
A2Remotely, from a distance; not in person or on site.
à durée déterminée
B1For a fixed or definite period; fixed-term.
à durée indéterminée
B1For an indefinite period; permanent (e.g., contract).
à la fin
A2At the end, at the conclusion of something.
à la journée
B1Daily, by the day.
à la semaine
B1Weekly, by the week.
à l'année
B1Annually, by the year.
à l'attention de
B1Directed to; for the attention of.
à l'avance
A2In advance; beforehand.
à l'issue de
A2At the end of, following; upon the conclusion of.
