Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Incapable of being atoned for; too severe or wrong to be forgiven or made right: Describes an act, offense, or crime that is so grave that it cannot be expiated, redeemed, or compensated for by any means.
   • Unappeasable; impossible to soothe or satisfy: Describes a feeling, such as hatred or resentment, that is so deep it cannot be calmed or placated.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The tyrant's crimes were so monstrous that they were considered inexpiable.
  • He felt an inexpiable guilt for his betrayal, believing no apology could ever make amends.
  • The war left behind an inexpiable hatred between the two communities.

Advanced Usage

• "an inexpiable sin": a sin that cannot be forgiven or cleansed through any act of penance or atonement.
  • In some theological views, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is considered an inexpiable sin.
• "inexpiable wrong": a wrong or injustice that is beyond repair or compensation.
  • The historical injustice done to the indigenous population is often seen as an inexpiable wrong.

Variants and Related Words

• Inexpiably (adverb): in an inexpiable manner.
  • He had inexpiably offended his closest ally.
• Expiable (adjective): capable of being atoned for. (This is the direct antonym).
  • Minor transgressions are often considered expiable through sincere apology.

Synonyms

• Unpardonable: cannot be forgiven.
• Inexcusable: cannot be justified or excused.
• Irredeemable: incapable of being saved, improved, or corrected.
• Unatonable: incapable of being atoned for. (A less common, direct synonym).

Antonyms

• Expiable: capable of being atoned for.
• Pardonable: able to be forgiven.
• Forgivable: deserving of forgiveness.

Adjective

1. incapable of being atoned for