incorrigibles
Those beyond redemption
Incorrigibles are people who cannot be reformed or corrected—those whose bad behavior persists despite all attempts at discipline or rehabilitation.
The term often carries a mix of exasperation and grudging affection: The incorrigibles in the back row disrupted class again.
In older usage, incorrigible was a legal classification for repeat juvenile offenders deemed beyond correction.
Resisting authority or control
- disobedientRefusing to follow orders
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- unrulyDifficult to control
- mutinousDisposed to revolt
insurgent · dissent · noncompliant · provocative · challenging · audacious · brazen · contumacious
Persisting over time
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- inveterateLong-established, unchangeable
- entrenchedFirmly established, resistant to change
ingrained · perennial · perpetual · hardened · unshakeable · deep-rooted · deep-seated · addicted
Impossible to reform
- hopelessBeyond possibility of success
- incurableCannot be healed
- beyond redemptionUnable to be saved
- lost causesEndeavors beyond saving
write-offs · irreparable · unchangeable · unrepentant · unyielding · impenitent · remorseless · beyond help
rebellious
Resisting authority or control
- disobedientRefusing to follow orders
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- unrulyDifficult to control
mutinous · insurgent · dissent · noncompliant · provocative · challenging · audacious · brazen · contumacious · contrary
chronic
Persisting over time
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- inveterateLong-established, unchangeable
entrenched · ingrained · perennial · perpetual · hardened · unshakeable · deep-rooted · deep-seated · addicted · repeat offenders
irredeemable
Impossible to reform
- hopelessBeyond possibility of success
- incurableCannot be healed
- beyond redemptionUnable to be saved
lost causes · write-offs · irreparable · unchangeable · unrepentant · unyielding · impenitent · remorseless · beyond help · unsalvageable
incorrigiblesredeemables
Items exchangeable for refund
success stories · converts · penitents · late bloomers · prodigal sons
incorrigiblesconformists
Those obeying social norms
straight arrows · teacher's pets · goody-goodies · squares · paragons