inoperable

adjective

in·​op·​er·​a·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce inoperable (audio)
Synonyms of inoperablenext
1
: not treatable or remediable by surgery
an inoperable brain tumor
2
: not functioning : inoperative

Synonyms of inoperable

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Examples of inoperable in a Sentence

a patient with inoperable cancer The device makes the car inoperable when a key is not used to start it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was a small, inoperable well, an opera house and a carpenter’s studio, a dressmaker, a blacksmith, a bank. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026 Ukraine’s strike force became inoperable behind front lines; Russian drones were able to hit populated areas, adding to Ukraine’s already high civilian death toll. — Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Employees are using a chlorine solution with chemical cleaners to sanitize food contact surfaces while dish machine is inoperable. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 Ukrainian units reported link drops at speeds as low as 90 km/hr, making those drones inoperable. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inoperable

Word History

Etymology

probably from French inopérable

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoperable was in 1886

Rhymes for inoperable

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Browse Nearby Words

inoperability
inoperable
inoperative
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Cite this Entry

“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoperable. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inoperable

adjective
in·​op·​er·​a·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce inoperable (audio)
1
: not treatable by surgery
an inoperable cancer
2
: not in working order : inoperative

Medical Definition

inoperable

adjective
in·​op·​er·​a·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce inoperable (audio)
: not treatable or remediable by or suitable for surgery
an advanced and inoperable cancer
a developing cataract still inoperable
inoperability
(ˌ)in-ˌäp-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce inoperable (audio)
noun
plural inoperabilities
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