incorrigible
What does "incorrigible" mean?
The word "incorrigible" describes someone or something that cannot be corrected, improved, or reformed. Think of it as a stubborn knot that refuses to be untied; no matter how much effort you put into fixing the behavior, the person or habit remains exactly as it was. It is often used in a slightly humorous or exasperated way to describe minor bad habits, like being a "hopeless flirt" or a "chronic procrastinator." While it can be used for serious moral failings, it frequently implies a sense of resigned affection for someone who will simply never change their ways.
"incorrigible" in conversation
Discussing a friend's bad habit
I told him five times to stop interrupting, but he just keeps doing it.
I told him five times to stop interrupting, but he just keeps doing it.
Oh, he’s incorrigible. You’ll be waiting forever for him to learn.
Oh, he’s incorrigible. You’ll be waiting forever for him to learn.
Used to describe a personality trait that is persistent and unlikely to change.
Office banter
Did you eat the last donut again, Dave?
Did you eat the last donut again, Dave?
Guilty as charged.
Guilty as charged.
You are truly incorrigible.
You are truly incorrigible.
An example of using the word in a lighthearted, teasing context.
"incorrigible" in a sentence
He is an incorrigible liar who cannot tell the truth.
He is an incorrigible liar who cannot tell the truth.
Despite the teacher's best efforts, the student remained incorrigible in his disruptive behavior.
Despite the teacher's best efforts, the student remained incorrigible in his disruptive behavior.
The incorrigible optimism of the team kept them going even when the project seemed destined to fail.
The incorrigible optimism of the team kept them going even when the project seemed destined to fail.
