beyond retrieval
idiom
1
: not able to be brought back
The old data is now beyond retrieval.
2
: not able to be corrected, cured, or saved
The patient may be beyond retrieval.
The situation is beyond retrieval.
Examples of beyond retrieval in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
George was nearly beyond retrieval, a tiny glint of a mote, like a wayward flea.
—
Cynthia Ozick, The New Yorker, 14 June 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cynthia Ozick, The New Yorker, 14 June 2021
Dictionary Entries Near beyond retrieval
Cite this Entry
“Beyond retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beyond%20retrieval. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share