inoperable
adjective
in·op·er·a·ble
(ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl 
1
: not treatable or remediable by surgery
an inoperable brain tumor
2
: not functioning : inoperative
Synonyms
Examples of inoperable in a Sentence
a patient with inoperable cancer
The device makes the car inoperable when a key is not used to start it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Days after the shooting, state alcohol regulators revoked the bar’s liquor license, leaving it inoperable.
—
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 9 May 2024
Potentially being inoperable for a quarter of the year might make launching drone deliveries in Tolleson and neighboring desert communities seem like an odd choice.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 May 2024
No injuries were reported, but the facility is currently inoperable due to the damage.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024
Observed two paper towel dispensers inoperable on the buffet line.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024
The tumor was inoperable, but Sean continued to thrive thanks to early detection.
—Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024
Inside Scripps hospitals, critical equipment was inoperable, a doctor told The Washington Post, including electronic patient records.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024
The Israeli military has attempted to flood the tunnels with seawater before, in an effort to render Hamas' underground stockpiles of weapons inoperable and eliminate hiding spots for militants.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
Politics in the New York Region Dismissed Charges: A Republican councilwoman in Brooklyn who was arrested for carrying a pistol to a pro-Palestinian rally has had charges dismissed against her after it was found that the weapon was unloaded and inoperable.
—Stefanos Chen, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2023
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 9 May 2024
Potentially being inoperable for a quarter of the year might make launching drone deliveries in Tolleson and neighboring desert communities seem like an odd choice.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 May 2024
No injuries were reported, but the facility is currently inoperable due to the damage.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024
Observed two paper towel dispensers inoperable on the buffet line.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024
The tumor was inoperable, but Sean continued to thrive thanks to early detection.
—Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024
Inside Scripps hospitals, critical equipment was inoperable, a doctor told The Washington Post, including electronic patient records.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024
The Israeli military has attempted to flood the tunnels with seawater before, in an effort to render Hamas' underground stockpiles of weapons inoperable and eliminate hiding spots for militants.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
Politics in the New York Region Dismissed Charges: A Republican councilwoman in Brooklyn who was arrested for carrying a pistol to a pro-Palestinian rally has had charges dismissed against her after it was found that the weapon was unloaded and inoperable.
—Stefanos Chen, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inoperable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inoperable
Cite this Entry
“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoperable. Accessed 17 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inoperable
adjective
in·op·er·a·ble
(ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl
1
: not treatable by surgery
an inoperable cancer
2
: not in working order : inoperative
Medical Definition
inoperable
adjective
in·op·er·a·ble
(ˈ)in-ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl
: not treatable or remediable by or suitable for surgery
an advanced and inoperable cancer
a developing cataract still inoperable
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