What does inexpiable mean?
Inexpiable means that an offense or injury is too serious to be forgiven, atoned for, or repaired. The word is especially used for moral wrongs, crimes, betrayals, and acts of violence, where no apology, punishment, or compensation can undo the damage. It also has a broader figurative use for losses or consequences that cannot be compensated. Unlike ordinary claims that something is unforgivable, inexpiable has a formal, literary sound and suggests a particularly serious or absolute failure of redress. Its Latin origin reflects the idea of an offense that cannot be expiated, or wiped away through sacrifice or atonement. In modern English, it is a useful word for describing wrongs whose consequences exceed the ordinary possibilities of apology or repair.
adjectiveIncapable of being expiated, forgiven, or atoned for. It describes an offense, wrong, or suffering so serious that no apology or compensation can make amends.
- Too serious or great to be forgiven, atoned for, or made amends for.
- So overwhelming or irreparable that it cannot be compensated for or put right.
"The crime was regarded as inexpiable, and no apology could repair the damage it had caused."
"The destruction of the ancient city seemed to the survivors an inexpiable loss."
"He described the betrayal as an inexpiable injury to the family."
Some wrongs are so profound that saying sorry is not enough: the word gives a name to the point where apology becomes meaningless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inexpiable come from?
The word comes from Latin inexpiabilis, formed from the prefix in-, meaning 'not' or 'without,' and expiare, 'to make amends for' or 'to atone for.' The corresponding Latin family includes expiate, expiation, and expiatory, all associated with making satisfaction for a wrong. English borrowed the adjective in the early 17th century, initially in religious and legal contexts, and later extended it to figurative moral and personal injuries.
Related word forms
How inexpiable is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is usually applied to offenses, wrongs, sins, or injuries, and it carries a strongly condemnatory or solemn tone.
Easily confused with inexpiable
An expiable offense can be atoned for or forgiven, whereas an inexpiable offense is too serious to be remedied in that way.