'irrecoverable' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'recuperare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'cuperare' meant 'to gain or obtain.'

'recuperare' transformed into the Old French word 'recouvrer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recover' through Middle English. The prefix 'ir-' was added to form 'irrecoverable.'

Initially, it meant 'unable to regain or recover,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.