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 The resulting flooding rendered the antenna inoperable. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026 In Park City, Utah, Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe in an exclusive interview on The Drivecast said with the launch of the mass-market R2 the team has worked service times down to hours for critical items, like if a car is inoperable, and to a couple of days for non-critical items. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 10 June 2026 According to the Los Angeles Times, Paris died of complications from an inoperable brain tumor in March 1986. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Epitaxial growth of SiC on wafers requires temperatures above 2732°F and precise precursor chemistry; even small process deviations can generate micropipe defects that render devices inoperable. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 1 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
  • The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into the owner of a malfunctioning chemical storage tank in Garden Grove that has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as fire crews race to avoid an explosion.
    — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 24 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of malfunctioning
Adjective
  • What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.
    — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Jennifer, for her part, is pretty sure that the information on Dennis’s burner phone is completely useless.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 8 July 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • If Rice and new running back Kenneth Walker can serve as the team’s early down answers that keep defenses honest, that should open up opportunity for Mahomes to finally see some open looks downfield again.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • While last year was a down year compared to the year before, Ovechkin still appeared in all 82 games and potted 64 points, with 32 goals and 32 assists.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • Due to their smaller size, developers hope they can be manufactured more efficiently and deployed in places where large nuclear plants would be impractical.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
  • As a result, face-to-face interactions at bank branches are increasingly impractical.
    — Eyal Lifshitz, Forbes.com, 10 July 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
  • Ready said the ball relies on stadium infrastructure to communicate with officials, making the electronics virtually unusable outside a World Cup venue.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
  • These extreme weather changes can cause pavement to expand, crack and warp, rendering some roads unusable until they are repaired.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 July 2026
Definition of unusable
Adjective
  • The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said drivers should treat intersections with nonfunctional traffic signals as a four-way stop.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026
  • Critics alleged inhumane conditions, including poor food, nonfunctional toilets and a lack of access to attorneys.
    — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Definition of nonfunctional
Adjective
  • Drivers should avoid off-road detours or unpaved shortcuts suggested by map apps, as those routes can be dangerous and unsuitable for passenger and commercial vehicles, state officials said.
    — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 July 2026
  • The dogs were found to be living in unsuitable conditions, while the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and a number of the dogs had additional medical conditions as well.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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