unatonable
Definition
- Adjective:
- Incapable of being atoned for: "unatonable" describes a wrong, sin, or offense that cannot be repaired, forgiven, or made amends for. It emphasizes an irreparable or unforgivable nature.
Usage Examples
- (The offense could never be forgiven or compensated.)
- (The damage to their relationship could not be mended.)
- (Such sins cannot be expiated by human effort alone.)
Advanced Usage
- "unatonable guilt": a sense of guilt that cannot be relieved through any action or apology.
- He carried an unatonable guilt for the accident, no matter how much he tried to help. (His remorse was permanent.)
- "unatonable loss": a loss that cannot be compensated or made right.
- The destruction of the ancient temple was an unatonable loss to history. (The damage was irreversible.)
Variants and Related Words
- Atonable (adj): capable of being atoned for.
- Some mistakes are atonable through sincere apology. (They can be forgiven.)
- Atonement (n): reparation for a wrong or injury.
- He made atonement for his actions by volunteering. (He tried to make amends.)
- Atoning (adj): making amends.
- Her atoning efforts were appreciated. (Her attempts to repair the harm.)
Synonyms
- Irredeemable: impossible to compensate or save.
- Inexpiable: (formal) that cannot be expiated or forgiven.
- Unforgivable: too bad to be forgiven.
- Irreparable: impossible to repair or make right.
Related Idioms
- Beyond redemption: so bad that it cannot be saved or forgiven.
- His actions placed him beyond redemption in the eyes of the community. (He was considered unforgivable.)
- A stain that cannot be washed away: a permanent mark of wrongdoing.
- The scandal left a stain on his reputation that seemed unatonable. (It could not be removed.)