incurably
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnkjˈɔːrəbli/
US
- /ɪŋkjˈʊrəbli/
Description
- hopelessly
- permanently
- irreparably
If someone has an incurably optimistic outlook, it means they stay cheerful no matter what happens. The word comes from the idea of an illness that cannot be cured. But it is not used only for health. Someone can be incurably romantic, incurably curious, or incurably shy. In these cases, it means the quality feels deep, lasting, and very hard to change. It often describes something that seems like a permanent part of a person's nature, for better or for worse.
"Incurably" describes a state that cannot be cured, remedied, or corrected. It is most literally used to describe a medical condition with no known cure, such as being "incurably ill." However, the word's reach extends far beyond hospital walls and physical ailments.
It frequently refers to deeply ingrained habits, personality traits, or beliefs that are resistant to change. Describing someone as "incurably shy" suggests that their reticence is a fundamental part of their character rather than a passing phase. Similarly, an "incurably optimistic" person persists in seeing the silver lining regardless of the circumstances.
The core essence of incurably is permanence. It implies that a state is not just difficult to alter, but effectively impossible to change. While this can be a heavy or somber descriptor when discussing health, it often takes on a whimsical or endearing tone when applied to charming quirks or persistent personality traits. Ultimately, whether referring to a physical condition or a character trait, incurably signifies a quality woven into the very fabric of an individual's existence.
Examples
- 1
Medical condition
By the time the disease was diagnosed, she was incurably ill.
- 2
Optimistic personality
Even after two failed startups, he remained incurably optimistic.
Pattern
incurably + adjective
the quality seems impossible to change
- 3
Curiosity
My brother is incurably curious and always wants to know how things work.
- 4
Personal habits
She is incurably untidy, no matter how often she promises to clean up.
- 5
Romantic character
The novel’s main character is an incurably romantic man who keeps believing in perfect love.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- incurablyadverb