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

Adults with cancers considered incurable a generation ago are in remission years after a single infusion. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Since the mid-2000s, Krukow has been battling inclusion body myositis, a rare, progressive and incurable muscle disease. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Central Appalachian veteran underground coal miners are experiencing an incurable and fatal lung disease at the highest rates recorded in nearly 50 years, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026

Asa has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare, incurable, life-limiting genetic disease that gradually weakens every muscle in the body. — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 4 Aug. 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