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.
An inoperable air conditioning system and sweaty employees led to the temporary closure of one Fort Worth pizza joint in the latest round of city health inspections, according to the report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 Two of the spacecraft's three reaction wheels were found to be inoperable, while its cold-gas thruster system also experienced some loss of functionality. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Once authorities seized them, the Justice Department says QScan and QTRouter became inoperable. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The Kia Sportage was stuck on the lip of one end of the bridge, causing the span to become inoperable, the sheriff’s office said. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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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