1
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
we have several inoperable cars on the property
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in useless
not capable of being put to use or account
a delightfully creative but inoperable plan for building a theme park in the area
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inoperable
Prosecutors said the rifle was rendered inoperable before Jalloh left the store, unbeknownst to Jalloh.
—
Jonathan Mattise, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The bag handle broke and is inoperable.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Finally, after Mason let fans know there was an electrical circuit issue and the video board would be inoperable for the remainder of the game, the crowd broke out in a collective cheer as the buzzer finally turned off and basketball could resume.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Park, whose district stretches from Los Angeles International Airport to Pacific Palisades, said inoperable RVs frequently pose a threat to public safety — attracting crime or resulting in the disposal of waste into storm drains and waterways.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Jonathan Mattise, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The bag handle broke and is inoperable.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Finally, after Mason let fans know there was an electrical circuit issue and the video board would be inoperable for the remainder of the game, the crowd broke out in a collective cheer as the buzzer finally turned off and basketball could resume.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Park, whose district stretches from Los Angeles International Airport to Pacific Palisades, said inoperable RVs frequently pose a threat to public safety — attracting crime or resulting in the disposal of waste into storm drains and waterways.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperable
Adjective
-
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Architects and other critics of the project had panned the staircase as too large and basically useless since there was no way to enter the ballroom at the top.—
Darlene Superville,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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In practice, this means a madhouse of multimedia rooms, packed with gurgling videos and useless machines and humanoid bodies.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There are even pillows up to 83% off, like Bedsure’s down-alternative design for back and side sleepers, plus four-piece moistur-wicking bamboo bedding sets under $100.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Apr. 2026
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Some of our stocks bucking Thursday’s down market include Corning , Linde and Costco .—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But the brief, costly, impractical service still became one of the most romanticized episodes in American history—a legacy wildly disproportionate to its lifespan.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
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The creator notes the concept suits cabins, RVs, and off-grid structures particularly well — anywhere grid ties are impractical or expensive.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The antiskid system was inoperative, and all four main tires on the landing gear blew.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
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Every home has that one drawer where unknown or inoperative chargers end up, becoming a tangled mess.—
Kaylei Fear,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Access to software updates or features can be expensive, limited, or revoked, leaving devices that are still in perfect physical condition unusable or not worth the subscription cost.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
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The stove was missing burners and appeared to be unusable.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One of the vendors whose contract with Cal OES is ending said that the agency has still not provided evidence that the existing regional Next Generation 911 system is unsafe or nonfunctional.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Several local law enforcement agencies, including the Parker Police Department and Aurora Police Department, reported issues during the height of the afternoon power outages, including nonfunctional emergency phone lines and dark traffic lights.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
He was accused of creating spectacle and of designing spaces unsuitable for art.—
Norman Foster,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
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Goan cobras are migrating to new and unsuitable habitats by train.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperable. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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