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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inoperable
That makes their cancer inoperable.
—
Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
City says cars were inoperable The Somerville Department of Public Works says these cars are inoperable and awaiting disposal.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
The blasts ocurred in international waters and left the pipelines inoperable.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately for tourists looking for a place to go, the one that showed up Monday morning on the promenade in front of the Lincoln Memorial is inoperable.
—Joe Heim, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
City says cars were inoperable The Somerville Department of Public Works says these cars are inoperable and awaiting disposal.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
The blasts ocurred in international waters and left the pipelines inoperable.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately for tourists looking for a place to go, the one that showed up Monday morning on the promenade in front of the Lincoln Memorial is inoperable.
—Joe Heim, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperable
Adjective
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Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem -- a malfunctioning space toilet.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But at a certain point in adulthood, prayer began to feel useless to me.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
From certain side sections, the rear screen was nearly useless.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If supply is down and demand is the same, that leaves prices nowhere to go but up.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
On the down side, there’s not a lot of history here.—
John Romano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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While Motorola has made progress overcoming some traditional shortcomings of foldables, the phone still feels rather impractical, while still being very cool.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
14 May 2026
-
However, Burry warned that directly betting against the rally through short selling is risky and impractical for most investors, particularly as bearish trades have become increasingly expensive.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The antiskid system was inoperative, and all four main tires on the landing gear blew.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For a limited time, former Spirit loyalty members can use their unusable Spirit points for pizza at Papa Johns.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
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Authorities slow internet speeds until services become unusable.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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About 2 miles north near Centre Bridge, a pump designed to divert water from the Delaware River into the canal was found knocked over and nonfunctional.—
Ross DiMattei,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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This new statute requires various property owners, including HOAs, to either remove nonfunctional turf or begin irrigating it with reclaimed water.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The treatments were carried out at Ali’s semi-detached home in Leicester, which was described by investigators and witnesses as unsanitary and unsuitable for clinical care, the news outlet reported.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
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The team found that several 2D materials praised for their electronic properties may become unsuitable once they are built into real devices.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperable. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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