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

Synonyms of inoperable

• malfunctioning
• down
• inoperative
• nonfunctional
• nonfunctioning
• broken
• out of commission

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

Last December, Lawler and her colleagues published a new metric called the CRASH Clock, which estimates what would happen in orbit if every single satellite suddenly became inoperable. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Additionally, the software issue could cause the signal lamps, hazard lamp function and certain warning buzzers to become inoperable. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Laptops, Phones, and Other Electronics The internal parts of electronics could be at risk of permanently overheating, rendering the device inoperable or beyond repair when left in a hot car, according to Van Tassell. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

For Griffin, even as community support and public awareness have grown, the health risks and business challenges are getting worse as time goes on and the air conditioning remains inoperable. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from French inopérable

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inoperable

• operable
• interoperable

Kids 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

inoperability

(ˌ)in-ˌäp-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural inoperabilities