Incorrigible
Adjective
Definition: (of a person or their behavior) not able to be changed or reformed.
Synonyms: Irredeemable, Unrepentant, Hardened, Inveterate
Antonyms: Reformable, Repentant, Redeemable
- Despite multiple interventions, the teenager remained incorrigible and continued to engage in criminal activities.
- The teacher labeled the disruptive student as incorrigible, as he showed no signs of improving his behavior.
- "Incorrigible" can be broken down into "in-" meaning not, and "corrigible" meaning able to be corrected. So, someone who is incorrigible is not able to be corrected.
Etymology:
Middle English (in the sense ‘not capable of being corrected’): from Latin incorrigibilis, from in- ‘not’ + corrigere ‘to correct’.
Historical Usage:The word "incorrigible" has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to someone who is beyond correction or reform.
Related Idioms:
"Incorrigible optimist"
Explanation:Referring to someone who remains hopeful or optimistic despite facing continuous difficulties or setbacks.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "incorrigible" with "unfixable".
Explanation:While both words imply the inability to be corrected or reformed, "incorrigible" specifically refers to behavior or a person's character, whereas "unfixable" can be applied to various things that cannot be repaired or resolved.