English vocabulary · C2
Incorrigible
/ɪnˈkɔːrɪdʒəbl/ · adj.
An incorrigible person keeps doing bad things. Help does not change them, so they never stop.
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Example sentences
- The incorrigible guest stole cake.
- He hid cards, an incorrigible cheat.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — not (from Latin)
- corrig — correct (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNRULY — hard to control (Hard to control)
- INCURABLE — unable to be cured (The habit cannot end)
- HOPELESS — unlikely to get better (No hope of improvement)
Similar words
- unruly
- incurable
- hopeless
- unmanageable
- irreformable
Lesson notes
An incorrigible person keeps doing bad things. Help does not change them, so they never stop.
Related: unruly, incurable, hopeless. Use incorrigible when bad habits last.
The incorrigible guest stole cake. He hid cards, an incorrigible cheat.
From Latin. In- means not. Corrig- means correct. Not one chef can correct this incorrigible thief.