incorrigible
C1Formal to neutral; can be used in literary, journalistic, and everyday contexts, often with a humorous or hyperbolic tone.
Definition
Meaning
Impossible to correct, reform, or change for the better; (of a person) persistently behaving in a bad or unacceptable way.
Often used humorously or affectionately to describe a persistent, unchangeable habit or trait that is not necessarily morally bad, but just deeply ingrained.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a strong sense of permanence and resistance to external influence. It often implies a history of failed attempts at correction. When used humorously, it downplays serious fault and suggests a charming or harmless flaw.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in a literary or slightly old-fashioned humorous register (e.g., 'an incorrigible rogue'). In American English, it is equally understood but may sound slightly more formal.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both variants, but firmly within the educated vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] incorrigible[be] an incorrigible + noun (optimist/rogue)prove (to be) incorrigibleVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beyond redemption”
- “A hopeless case”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in HR contexts: 'His tardiness is incorrigible, leading to dismissal.'
Academic
Used in sociology, criminology, or psychology texts to describe entrenched behavior resistant to intervention.
Everyday
Used humorously: 'My brother is an incorrigible chocolate thief.'
Technical
Not typical in hard sciences. May appear in philosophical discussions about free will and character.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Despite numerous warnings, he remained an incorrigible gambler.
- Her incorrigible cheerfulness brightened the dreary office.
American English
- The judge declared the repeat offender to be incorrigible.
- He's just an incorrigible joker who can't be serious for five minutes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My uncle is an incorrigible teller of tall tales.
- The teacher said the boy's behaviour was incorrigible.
- The prison system struggled to deal with what they classified as incorrigible offenders.
- She viewed his optimism not as naivety but as an incorrigible and admirable trait.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + CORRECTable. If someone is INcorrigible, you cannot CORRECT them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FLAW IS A PERMANENT STAIN / A PERSON IS A FIXED OBJECT (resistant to change).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "incorrect" (неправильный). The closest is "неисправимый" (неподдающийся исправлению).
- Avoid using "некорригируемый"—this is a medical/technical calque and sounds unnatural for behavior.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'incorrigable' (missing one 'r').
- Using it for temporary states (e.g., 'He's incorrigible today'—incorrect, implies permanence).
- Confusing it with 'incorruptible' (which means honest, not susceptible to bribery).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'incorrigible' in the sentence: 'He was an incorrigible gossip.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, often humorously or affectionately. e.g., 'an incorrigible optimist' – their optimism is so persistent it cannot be changed, but this is seen as a good thing.
'Incorrigible' primarily refers to bad behavior or habits that cannot be corrected. 'Incurable' primarily refers to diseases or medical conditions that cannot be healed. They can overlap metaphorically (e.g., an incurable romantic).
It can be, especially in formal or legal contexts (an incorrigible criminal). However, in everyday speech, it is frequently used with a lighter, teasing tone to describe harmless but persistent habits.
It is almost exclusively an adjective. The related noun is 'incorrigibility'.