Unretrievable

The word 'unretrievable' describes something that cannot be recovered, restored, or brought back to its original state or former existence. It signifies a loss that is permanent, an absence that cannot be remedied. This encompasses situations involving irretrievable data, irretrievable opportunities, irretrievable resources, or irretrievable memories. The core meaning highlights the finality of the loss and the impossibility of reversal, rendering any attempt at recovery futile. Its usage often underscores the gravity of a situation, emphasizing the significance of what has been lost.

Unretrievable meaning with examples

• The company's crucial server crashed, and with it, the only backup copy of the financial records was irretrievably damaged. Years of work and vital data were lost, leaving the company in a difficult situation. They were unable to recover the information, highlighting the devastating consequences of not maintaining multiple backups and the unretrievable state of their digital asset.
• After the fire consumed the historical artifacts, they were considered unretrievable. Attempts to salvage what remained were futile; the delicate remnants crumbled and lost all form. The incident underscored the fragility of cultural heritage and the devastating impact of irreversible damage, leaving a void in history.
• The opportunity to invest in the startup vanished when the deadline passed. After the missed window, their chance to participate was now unretrievable. The investors considered their options for a late entry but were told they had lost their chance because the startup had closed their round, which meant the initial opportunity to invest was lost for good.
• With the passing of time, cherished childhood memories became increasingly fragmented. Despite numerous attempts to conjure vivid recollections, many experiences became unretrievable. The fading images left a sense of loss. While other memories remained, the passage of time left their grasp forever.