incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˌ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: not curable

an incurable disease

broadly : not likely to be changed or corrected

incurable optimism

incurable noun

incurably

(ˌ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• hopeless
• incorrigible

Examples of incurable in a Sentence

an incurable flirt at school dances

Recent Examples on the Web

Jamie later explains to Anna that he has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer — the same one that his brother, Eddie, died from. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

With Securities and Exchange Commission filings saying Ellison will become CEO after the merger, that would trigger an incurable provision in the current co-CEOs’ contracts. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025

My dad, diagnosed with an incurable form of aggressive cancer, was initially given six months to live. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 7 July 2025

As the story plays out, both viewers and readers learn that Jamie has a rare and incurable form of cancer — the same type his brother died from. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin incurabilis, from Latin in- + curabilis curable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incurable

• curable
• durable
• endurable
• insurable
• nondurable
• procurable
• unendurable

Kids Definition

incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: not capable of being cured

incurably

-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: impossible to cure

an incurable disease

incurably

-blē 

adverb