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Webster 1828 Edition


Unreconcilable

UNRECONCI'LABLE

,
1.
That cannot be reconciled; that cannot be made consistent with; as two unreconcilable propositions. [In this sense, irreconcilable is generally used.]
2.
Not reconcilable; not capable of being appeased; implacable.
3.
That cannot be persuaded to lay aside enmity or opposition, and to become friendly or favorable; as unreconcilable neighbors.
[Irreconcilable is generally used.]

Definition 2024


unreconcilable

unreconcilable

English

Adjective

unreconcilable (comparative more unreconcilable, superlative most unreconcilable)

  1. Irreconcilable.
    • (Can we date this quote?) Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra
      But yet let me lament [] that our stars, / Unreconcilable, should divide / Our equalness to this.
    • 2004, John Edward Russon, Reading Hegel's Phenomenology (page 154)
      Kant's embrace of an unreconcilable contradiction at the foundation of human experience is not a turn to irrationalism; indeed, it is hard to imagine a more rigorous and rational thinker than Kant.

Usage notes

  • Unreconcilable occurs with about 2% of the frequency of irreconcilable in both COCA and BNC.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

unreconcilable (plural unreconcilables)

  1. A person or thing that cannot be reconciled.
    • 2015 July 20, “Hard Realities in Afghanistan”, in New York Times:
      Rather than the beginning of a new era of calm and prosperity for Afghans, a peace deal with the Taliban will split the movement, divide the reconcilable elements of the insurgency with the unreconcilables who see compromise as capitulation, and provide a small Islamic State faction in the country with the men and support they need to grow.