irreconcilable differences

phrase

formal

: inability to agree on most things or on important things

They are filing for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Examples of irreconcilable differences in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After separating earlier this year, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star filed for divorce Wednesday, citing irreconcilable differences. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

The reason for divorce, according to the filings, was listed as irreconcilable differences. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

The reason the two men gave at the time was irreconcilable differences. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Jolie, now 51, filed for divorce from Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences less than a week after the plane ride. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

Legal Definition

irreconcilable differences

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

ir·​rec·​on·​cil·​able dif·​fer·​enc·​es

ir-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl-

: substantial incompatibility between marriage partners that is a broad ground for especially no-fault divorce compare irretrievable breakdown of the marriage