inoperable

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce inoperable (audio)
Definition of inoperablenext
1
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order we have several inoperable cars on the property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inoperable There’s also a physical threshold above which runways themselves become inoperable. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 June 2026 The lawsuit points to a May 6 mayoral debate where Bass was asked about cuts to the LAFD's operational budget, which left fire engines inoperable. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 24 June 2026 The aircraft was headed south when a malfunction caused the left engine to become inoperable, a Kansas Highway Patrol crash report said. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026 The resulting flooding rendered the antenna inoperable. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperable
  1. malfunctioning
  2. useless
  3. down
  4. impractical
  5. inoperative
  6. unusable
  7. nonfunctional
  8. unsuitable
Adjective
  • Homeowners reported a swift meeting at which officers discussed a reorganization of their specific duties and the hiring of an elevator expert to fix the chronically malfunctioning, overloaded elevators.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Watching the first episode of Ultimate Girl’s Trip is like riding in a malfunctioning time machine.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of malfunctioning
Adjective
  • Even the useless adults of The Shards would surely act quickly to arrest Robert with this much evidence.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Talarico calls Big Bend border wall 'useless' Democratic candidate James Talarico reacted to images of bulldozers at Big Bend in an X post.
    — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • The Cowboys stuffed three rushing attempts before a fourth down sack from Isaiah Land.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Backup quarterback Orion Olmstead failed to complete a pass and his fourth down run came up two yards short.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • Direct transmission becomes increasingly impractical beyond that point.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
  • It's born from combining advances across science, engineering and computation in ways that make previously impractical technologies commercially viable.
    — Cyrus Wadia, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of impractical
Adjective
  • If the main engines were to become inoperative, six smaller orbit-control thrusters can still be activated on the lunar surface, providing an alternative pathway for a rapid ascent.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
  • And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of inoperative
Adjective
  • Most of the web is unusable without an ad blocker, and Edge killing support for the best one will only make the experience worse.
    — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The symbol of an institution that for decades has prepared many of Ukraine’s top public finance officials and ministers sat bomb-blasted and unusable.
    — Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusable
Adjective
  • In most populations around the world, many of these genes have accumulated mutations over time that have left about 60 percent of them nonfunctional.
    — Willow Zhang, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Amid three years of war, the WHO reported in April 2026 that 37% of Sudan’s health facilities were nonfunctional.
    — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 July 2026
Definition of nonfunctional
Adjective
  • When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuitable

Browse Nearby Words

in one's cups
inoperable
inoperative
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Cite this Entry

“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inoperable

Nglish: Translation of inoperable for Spanish Speakers

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