incorrigible

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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'

[edit] Adjective

incorrigible (not comparable)

Positive
incorrigible

Comparative
not comparable

Superlative
none (absolute)

  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 black 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.
  5. determined, unalterable, hence impossible to improve upon.
    The laws of nature and mathematics are incorrigible.
  6. (archaic) incurable.

[edit] Usage notes

  • (Impossible to correct or set aright): Incorrigible is a complex term with antithetical denotations. In certain contexts, it may be synonymous with impeccable.
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[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Antonyms

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[edit] Translations

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[edit] Noun

Singular
incorrigible

Plural
incorrigibles

incorrigible (plural incorrigibles)

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

[edit] Translations


[edit] French

[edit] Etymology

From Old French incorrigible (1334), from Latin incorrigibilis "not to be corrected", from in- "not" + corrigere "to correct" + -ibilis '-able'

[edit] Adjective

incorrigible (epicene, plural incorrigibles)

  1. incorrigible

[edit] Noun

incorrigible m. (plural incorrigibles)

  1. An incorrigible