inoperable

[ in-op-er-uh-buhl, -op-ruh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not operable or practicable.
2. Medicine/Medical. not admitting of a surgical operation because the pathological condition is not amenable to cure by surgery or because of undue risk. Compare operable ( def 1 ).

inoperable

/ -ˈɒprə-; ɪnˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being implemented or operated; unworkable
2. surgery not suitable for operation without risk, esp (of a malignant tumour) because metastasis has rendered surgery useless

Derived Forms

• inˈoperably, adverb
• inˌoperaˈbility, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoperable¹

First recorded in 1885–90; in- ³ + operable

Example Sentences

“Spike strips were utilized to puncture the vehicle’s tires which caused it to become inoperable and yield” near the 405 Freeway and Westminster Avenue, police said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

It took almost three months for Mr Maxwell, from Penarth, to find out he had inoperable stage 4 non-smoking lung and bone cancer.

From BBC

‘Saturday Night Live’ alum Victoria Jackson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, says her cancer is back and inoperable.

From Los Angeles Times

To get there, several parts that have been inoperable for years are being repaired or replaced.

From Los Angeles Times

Most hospitals have been rendered inoperable by Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• impractical/impracticable
• infeasible
• unfeasible
• unworkable