irreparables

Irreparables is a rarely used plural noun that refers to things that cannot be repaired or remedied. While irreparable is most often used as an adjective, irreparables appears in some styles of writing to denote a collection of irrecoverable items, losses, or states. The term is most likely to be found in rhetorical, literary, or academic prose rather than in everyday speech.

Etymology: irreparables derives from irreparable, which itself comes from Latin irreparabilis, formed from in- (not) + reparabilis (repairable). As a noun, the plural is created by adding -es to the adjective, a usage that is uncommon in modern standard prose.

Usage: The plural is used when explicitly enumerating distinct irreparable items or outcomes. In most formal contexts, speakers and writers prefer phrases like irreparable damage, irreparable losses, or irreparably damaged items, rather than the countable irreparables. The phrase the irreparables may appear in analyses of disasters, failures, or tragedies to denote unfixable losses or outcomes, sometimes with a literary or evaluative tone.

Compared terms: In legal and policy language, the more common construction is irreparable harm or irreparable consequences, rather than treating irreparable as a countable noun. In everyday language, speakers are more likely to avoid using irreparables altogether and speak of irreparable damage or losses directly.

See also: irreparable harm, irreparable damage, irreparability, irreparably.