inexpiable
UK[ɪnˈɛkspɪəbl̩]US[ɪnˈɛkspiəbl̩]
adj
(of a wrong or sin) too bad to be atoned for; unpardonable.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
expi
able
in
not
expi
atone
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'inexpiable' is built from latin components. the core 'expiare' means 'to atone for', itself derived from 'ex-' (out, thoroughly) and 'piare' (to appease, from 'pius' meaning devout). the negative prefix 'in-' negates this capacity. the suffix '-able' indicates a quality or state. therefore, the literal construction yields 'not capable of being atoned for'. this term entered english in the late 16th century, primarily in theological and moral contexts to describe sins or offenses considered so grave that no reparation or sacrifice could absolve them, a concept that has persisted in its modern abstract meaning of being unpardonable.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + expi (atone) + able (capable of)
in- (latin prefix, meaning 'not'); expi- (from latin 'expiare', meaning 'to atone for'); -able (latin suffix via french, meaning 'capable of, fit for').
Examples
the historian described the tyrant's crimes as inexpiable atrocities.
in her view, his betrayal was an inexpiable act that ended their friendship forever.
some cultures hold that certain sins are inexpiable and condemn the soul.