inoperable
adjective
in·op·er·a·ble
(ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl 
1
: not treatable or remediable by surgery
an inoperable brain tumor
2
: not functioning : inoperative
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
An inoperable or unlicensed vehicle kept on residential property is considered a nuisance and can be subject to fines, according to the Louisville Jefferson County Department of Codes and Regulations.
—
Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
In addition to his treatment, Taylor has been focused on the mental health and community aspect of living with an inoperable tumor.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
The manager of 29 years was adamant the diagnostic test couldn't have caused the car to become inoperable.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Accidentally deploying one is considered a serious mistake, as each slide can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repack and replace, and often renders the aircraft temporarily inoperable.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
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Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
In addition to his treatment, Taylor has been focused on the mental health and community aspect of living with an inoperable tumor.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025
The manager of 29 years was adamant the diagnostic test couldn't have caused the car to become inoperable.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Accidentally deploying one is considered a serious mistake, as each slide can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repack and replace, and often renders the aircraft temporarily inoperable.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Cite this Entry
“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoperable. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inoperable
adjective
in·op·er·a·ble
(ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl
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
: not treatable or remediable by or suitable for surgery
an advanced and inoperable cancer
a developing cataract still inoperable
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