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 of incurable

• hopeless
• incorrigible

Examples of incurable in a Sentence

an incurable flirt at school dances

Recent Examples on the Web

Some policies distinguish between chronic or incurable conditions and temporary conditions that have been fully resolved. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Unlike earlier stages of breast cancer, MBC is incurable, and only 32 percent of people diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis. — Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026

After all there’s nothing very funny about an incurable disease that traps you inside your body. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

The issue roiled French politics for years before lawmakers recently approved legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

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