operable

1 of 2

adjective

op·​er·​a·​ble ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: fit, possible, or desirable to use

The radio is operable without the car running.

2

: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment

an operable cancer

operability

ˌä-p(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

operably

ˈä-pə-rə-blē 

adverb

operability

2 of 2

noun

op·​er·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌäp(ə)rəˈbilətē 

: the quality or state of being operable compare resectability

Synonyms of operable

Adjective

• available
• useful

Examples of operable in a Sentence

Adjective

The radio is operable without the car running.

the historic wooden ship has been fully restored and is once again an operable seafaring vessel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Additionally, a window seat is positioned next to a large operable window. — Adam Williams july 20, New Atlas, 20 July 2026

Such technology can create pictures that look appealing but that actually involve nonsensical flourishes that, for example, are impossible to construct into operable sets or develop into wearable costumes. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Youths in custody have access to drinking fountains and operable sinks in their rooms, Waters said. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Just keeping these buildings operable is expensive, and the district struggles to meet even immediate building needs because capacity gets crowded out by legacy debt payments and operational revenue shortfalls. — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Late Latin operābilis "active, efficacious," from operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -ābilis -able — more at operate

First Known Use

Adjective

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for operable

• inoperable
• interoperable

Kids Definition

operable

adjective

op·​er·​a·​ble ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: fit, possible, or desirable to use

2

: likely to have a favorable result upon surgical treatment

an operable cancer

Medical Definition

operable

adjective

op·​er·​a·​ble ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: fit, possible, or desirable to use

2

: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment

operability

ˌäp-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural operabilities