irreconcilable
Definitions
(Of ideas, views, or differences) so opposed that they cannot be made to agree
（观点、看法或分歧）对立到无法调和的；不可调和的
(Of people) unwilling to be reconciled; implacably hostile
（人）不肯和解的；势不两立的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedir- (not) + re- (again) + concil (call together) + -able (able to be) = 'not able to be called back together.' If two views or two people are irreconcilable, no amount of effort can bring them back into agreement. It is the negated form of reconcilable.
Root concili still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
irreconcilable differences is a fixed legal phrase used as a no-fault ground for divorce — learn it as a chunk. Beyond law, irreconcilable typically modifies abstract nouns (differences, views, positions, conflicts) rather than people, though 'irreconcilable enemies' is possible. The prefix is ir- (the form of in- before 'r'), not a separate word.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The couple divorced because of irreconcilable differences.
- 2.
The two scientists held irreconcilable views on the cause.
- 3.
Their goals proved irreconcilable, and the partnership collapsed.