inoperable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inoperable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that cannot be operated or is not functioning, often in a medical or technical context. Example: "The doctor informed us that the tumor was inoperable, meaning surgery was not an option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People here in town think I'm making a huge mistake," he said in defiant remarks on the Senate floor on Sunday, as he in effect rendered some NSA and FBI tactics inoperable.

The Guardian

Medical facilities not in use by either the government or the SPLA rebel group became inoperable, taking a heavy toll on the training of nurses and other medical professionals.

The Guardian

When I consider my suppurating private life: my greying hair, my body's abandonment of anything resembling skin tone, I'd have thought I was wracked with, say, inoperable despair, but it isn't so.

The Guardian

Tehran would have to remove the core from its heavy water reactor in Arak, making it inoperable.

The Guardian

And there are more inoperable cancers, because fewer are detected at earlier stages.The expected growth in BPO of all sorts is spurring consolidation.

The Economist

But California law can render such clauses inoperable if they would be "unconscionable".

The Economist

Mrs Skeet was a pensioner whose surgery was cancelled four times until her cancer became inoperable.

The Economist

Responding to BP's announcement, AAR released a statement saying that the joint venture had "become inoperable given fundamental differences over strategy and governance between AAR and BP .The bickering between the two notched up last year, after BP announced a provisional tie-up with Rosneft to explore Russia's highly-prospective Kara and Black Seas.

The Economist

It will also leave inoperable roughly half of the installed centrifuges at Natanz, its main enrichment facility, and three-quarters of the installed centrifuges at Fordow, a smaller site buried deep under a mountain.

The Economist

A few cases of things going wrong in hospitals achieved notoriety over the millennial period: the name of Mavis Skeet, a pensioner whose cancer became inoperable after her surgery was cancelled four times, could yet come back to haunt Labour.

The Economist

Then the "knockout mouse" was invented, in which mice have specified genes rendered inoperable, thus revealing their functions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, use "inoperable" to clearly communicate that surgery is not a viable option. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the patient and other medical professionals.

Common error

Avoid using "inoperative" when you specifically mean that a medical condition cannot be treated with surgery. "Inoperative" generally refers to something not functioning, while "inoperable" has a specific medical connotation. For example, a machine is "inoperative", while a tumor can be "inoperable".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "inoperable" functions primarily to describe a condition or object that cannot be operated on successfully, often due to physical limitations or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples include describing tumors or medical conditions where surgery is not a viable option.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inoperable" is an adjective that describes something incapable of being operated on or functioning correctly, predominantly used in medical and technical contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and common occurrence in various written materials. It's crucial to distinguish it from "inoperative", which generally refers to non-functioning machinery rather than medical conditions. This term appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, signifying its widespread use across informative platforms. When writing, ensure you use "inoperable" to clearly communicate the impossibility of surgical intervention, and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unserviceable

Indicates a state where something is not fit for use or is out of order, similar to being "inoperable" in a broader sense.

non-functional

Focuses on the lack of ability to perform a function, closely resembling the meaning of "inoperable" when referring to machines or systems.

out of commission

Suggests a temporary or permanent removal from service, often due to damage or malfunction, similar to something being rendered "inoperable".

beyond repair

Implies that the damage is too severe to be fixed, which can lead to a state of being "inoperable".

irreparable

Emphasizes the impossibility of repairing something, making it effectively "inoperable" in the long term.

not working

A simple and direct way to describe something that is not functioning, capturing a basic sense of being "inoperable".

unfixable

Highlights the inability to correct a problem, leading to a state of being "inoperable".

unusable

Indicates that something cannot be used, often because it is broken or not functioning correctly, similar to being "inoperable".

incapable of functioning

A formal way of saying that something is unable to perform its intended function, akin to being "inoperable".

defective

Implies a flaw or fault that prevents something from working properly, potentially rendering it "inoperable".

FAQs

How is "inoperable" used in a medical context?

In medicine, "inoperable" describes a condition, like a tumor, that cannot be successfully treated with surgery due to its location, size, or the patient's overall health. It means surgical intervention is not a feasible or safe option.

What does it mean when something is described as "inoperable"?

Generally, "inoperable" means incapable of being successfully operated on or unable to function correctly. The term can refer to both medical conditions and mechanical systems.

Which is the correct term, "inoperative" or "inoperable"?

While both terms describe something not working, "inoperable" is typically used in a medical context to describe conditions where surgery is not an option, whereas "inoperative" generally refers to something not functioning. It is best to use "inoperative" when talking about machines or systems.

What are some alternative words to use instead of "inoperable" when describing a medical condition?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "untreatable", "non-resectable", or "medically unmanageable".