Unrepeatable

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A characteristic or event that is distinct and can never be reproduced or relived An occurrence defined by its uniqueness that precludes any possibility of repetition A specific instance that embodies such rarity that it cannot be replicated in the future
2. Something that cannot be duplicated or experienced a second time due to its unique nature
3. Describes an action or event that cannot be copied or repeated under any circumstances

Etymology: The word is a plain compound: the prefix "un-" meaning "not" attached to "repeatable". Both halves are very old. "Un-" descends from a Proto-Indo-European negative particle, and it has been part of English since Old English. The "-able" ending traces back through Old French "-able" to Latin "-bilis" and "-ābilis", which gave the sense "capable of being" something, so "repeatable" means "capable of being repeated." Put together, "unrepeatable" simply means "not capable of being repeated." Its meaning is literal and transparent, which is why it has rarely needed a dramatic backstory. The most useful way to read it is to keep both halves in view: the negation and the ability, so that something unrepeatable is something that cannot be done again.

Synonyms: unique, singular, one-of-a-kind, irrepeatable, inimitable

Antonyms: repeatable, common, ordinary, standard, usual