Search Dictionary
Definition of inoperable

inoperable

/ɪnˈɑːpərəbəl/
in · op · er · a · ble
Adverb:inoperably
JUMP TO:

inoperable Lexical Profile

inoperable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unable to be treated or removed by a surgical operation without excessive risk or futility (of a medical condition, tumor, or lesion).

Example

"Because the tumor was located too close to the brainstem, the surgeons declared it inoperable and recommended radiation therapy instead."

2

Not able to be used, operated, or put into practice; out of order or unworkable.

Example

"Severe flooding in the basement left the building's main backup generator completely inoperable."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inoperable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inoperable

• Rhymes for inoperable

• Nearby Words

inoffensive
inoffensively
inoffensiveness
inoperable
inoperative
inordinate
inordinately

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin inoperabilis, meaning 'inactive' or 'not producing an effect,' from the prefix in- ('not') and operari ('to work or operate'). The surgical sense emerged in the late 19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inoperable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inoperable
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.