it is inoperable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is inoperable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that cannot be operated or is not functioning properly. Example: "The machine has been malfunctioning for weeks, and now it is inoperable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The two diagnoses match: he has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, the cancer has advanced rapidly, and it is inoperable and incurable.

The Guardian

The doctor said it is inoperable -- will I go through all this only to be told I need another three cycles of chemo [15 rounds].

Huffington Post

Tell your friend "Betsy, I have lung cancer and the doctor says it is inoperable.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was inoperable and incurable.

The New York Times

The day after they moved into their house on Wendell Street, Broyard learned that he had prostate cancer, and that it was inoperable.

The New Yorker

"The beginning of last year I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told it was inoperable and told I had 10 months to live," said Johnson.

The Guardian - Music

According to the investigations by both the Chicago police and I.P.R.A., the recovered gun was a Smith & Wesson revolver, so old and clogged with "dirt and grime" that a State Police examination determined that it was inoperable.

The New Yorker

But a small electrical fault, that led him to believe it was inoperable when in actuality it was working just fine, meant that he inadvertently gathered the "wrong" kind of evidence – which you can listen to here – the sort that said less about protester violence and much more about police brutality.

Vice

At one point it was inoperable.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Failure to maintain the extinguisher may result in it being inoperable when you need it.

WikiHow

If your vehicle is inoperable, then it needs extra equipment during loading and unloading, which in turn increases your shipping price.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is inoperable" in medical contexts, be specific about why the condition is inoperable. For example, specify whether it's due to the location of a tumor or the patient's overall health.

Common error

Avoid using "it is inoperable" interchangeably with "it is untreatable". "Inoperable" means surgery is not an option, while "untreatable" suggests no treatment will be effective. A condition can be inoperable but still treatable with other methods, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is inoperable" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (often a medical condition or a piece of equipment) as being impossible to operate on or repair. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is inoperable" is a phrase used to describe something that cannot be operated on or repaired, often in medical or technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While its register leans toward neutral to formal, it's essential to be specific about the reasons for inoperability. Alternatives such as "it cannot be operated" or "it is non-functional" may be suitable depending on the context. The phrase is relatively rare, found most commonly in news and media, and it's important not to confuse it with "untreatable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot be operated

This alternative provides a direct synonym, replacing the adjective with a verb phrase.

it is non-functional

This alternative uses a more technical term, indicating a lack of functionality.

it is out of order

This is a common and easily understandable way to describe something that isn't working.

it is unusable

This alternative focuses on the inability to use the item or system.

it is irreparable

This suggests the damage is beyond repair, making operation impossible.

it is beyond repair

Emphasizes the impossibility of fixing the inoperable item.

it is not working

A simple and direct way to state the lack of functionality.

it has ceased functioning

This is a more formal way of saying something has stopped working.

it is defunct

Implies that the item or system is no longer in use or effective.

it is unserviceable

Suggests that the item cannot be used because it is not in a condition to provide service.

FAQs

What does "it is inoperable" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "it is inoperable" means that a condition, such as a tumor, cannot be removed or treated with surgery due to its location, size, or the patient's overall health. However, other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may still be options.

When should I use "it is inoperable" versus "it is broken"?

"It is broken" is a general term for something not working. "It is inoperable" is more specific and often used in medical or technical contexts to indicate that something cannot be fixed or operated on, especially through surgery or repair. For example, "it is broken" (general), but "it is inoperable" due to the tumor's location (specific).

Are there other ways to say "it is inoperable"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it cannot be operated", "it is non-functional", or "it is unusable" depending on the context. In a medical context, alternatives might include "surgery is not an option" or "it's not surgically removable".

Is "inoperable" only used in medical situations?

While "inoperable" is frequently used in medical contexts, it can also describe machinery or systems that are beyond repair or cannot be used. For example, "The machine has been malfunctioning for weeks, and now "it is inoperable"."