Incorrigible

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɪnˈkÉ’rɨdʒɨb(É™)l/
• US IPA: /ɪnˈkɔɹɨdʒɨb(É™)l/

Origin

Recorded since 1340, from Old French incorrigible (1334), or directly from Latin incorrigibilis ("not to be corrected"), from in- "not" + corrigere "to correct" + -ibilis "-able".

Full definition of incorrigible

Adjective

1. defective and impossible to materially correct or set aright.''The construction flaw is incorrigible; any attempt to amend it would cause a complete collapse.
2. incurably depraved; not reformable.''His dark soul was too incorrigible to repent, even at his execution.
3. impervious to correction by punishment or pain.''The imp is incorrigible: his bottom is still red from his last spanking when he plans the next prank.
4. unmanageable.
• 2006, December 7, Michael White, Breaking up is hard to do, even at the Treasury, Gordon Brown may have his grumpy, Granita moments, but as a strategist he is an incorrigible optimist.
5. determined, unalterable, hence impossible to improve upon.''The laws of nature and mathematics are incorrigible.
6. (archaic) incurable.

Synonyms

• irredeemable
• irreparable

Antonyms

• corrigible

Derived terms

• incorrigibility
• incorrigibly

Related terms

• incorrect

Noun

1. An incorrigibly bad individual''The incorrigibles in the prison population are either lifers or habitual reoffenders