insostituibile
/in.sos.ti.tuˈi.bi.le/
The English word 'irreplaceable' is translated into Italian as insostituibile.
The term is used to describe something or someone that cannot be replaced. Note that the word indispensabile also means 'indispensable'.
Meaning: that cannot be replaced (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective insostituibile is the same for both masculine and feminine singular subjects. To agree with plural nouns, the form changes to insostituibili.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 7 syllables, with the stress on the 5th syllable: /in.sos.ti.tuˈi.bi.le/.
Did you know?
- If you describe a professional as insostituibile, it can sometimes be a compliment, but in a corporate setting, it might hint that they are a 'bottleneck' who refuses to share knowledge.
- The word contains the root stitu-, which links it to the English word 'statute', as both derive from the concept of 'standing' or 'placing'.
- In Italian, the word insostituibile is frequently used in a romantic context to describe a partner, whereas in English 'irreplaceable' can sometimes sound overly formal or dramatic in daily speech.
Examples in context
- Per me, è insostituibile.To me, she's irreplaceable.Tatoeba #5735239 by Guybrush88, translation #310031 by CS
- Mary è insostituibile, vero?Mary is irreplaceable, isn't she?Tatoeba #13261547 by Guybrush88, translation #7379044 by CF
- Questa roba è insostituibile.This stuff's irreplaceable.Tatoeba #5432471 by Guybrush88, translation #2253759 by CK
- La tua collaborazione è insostituibileYour collaboration is irreplaceable.
- Ecco il mio migliore amico, è davvero impagabile!Here's my best friend, he's truly irreplaceable!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are talking about a sentimental heirloom.
- MartinaQuesto anello è insostituibile per me.This ring is irreplaceable for me.
- LorenzoCapisco, è un ricordo di famiglia.I understand, it is a family memory.
- MartinaSì, non potrei mai venderlo.Yes, I could never sell it.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Martina, è davvero prezioso.You are right, Martina, it is truly precious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “irreplaceable” translations and entries insostituibile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
