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

An ounce of prevention in this environment is worth much more than a pound of cure — especially where incurable health conditions are concerned and exacerbated. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Sullenberger is the second major Bay Area celebrity in the past month to reveal he’s been diagnosed with the incurable disorder, which, over time, slows a person’s movements, memory and speech. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

At that time, she was given 12 to 18 months to live and was told that her cancer was incurable. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

In addition, patients with incurable or irreversible conditions no longer have to certify annually. — Emily McLeod, CBS News, 1 July 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