not drivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not drivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vehicle that cannot be driven due to mechanical issues, damage, or other reasons. Example: "After the accident, the car was deemed not drivable and had to be towed to the repair shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Taylor said the Swat van was in mint condition although it is not drivable at the moment.

The Guardian - Arts

Officials are still matching motorists with their impounded vehicles, the majority of which "are at a total loss and not drivable," police said in a news release.

The Washington Post

They're not drivable, though, unless you're Tom Thumb.

TechCrunch

The model of Warthog used in Forza Motorsport 4 is identical to the version in the upcoming Halo 4, however the vehicle is not drivable.

Wikipedia

The original route is not drivable as it runs through Naval Air Station Fallon; portions are still in public use as Harrigan Road (SR 115) and Berney Road (SR 119).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was getting some last-minute engine work when I saw the car, so it wasn't drivable.

The New York Times

▪ Not-drivable: Because of a bad road surfacing or deposit/failure cutting the road.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

To me, it simply added to Tom's mystique that the car was not only still drivable but entirely undamaged.

The New Yorker

Some Boston drivers have a different kind of digraph in which they don't care whether that road is drivable or not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It was drivable, but not manageable".

The New York Times

Making the cars drivable was not without challenges, as many of the parts for the 4-cylinder engines and gearboxes were unique to the cars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a vehicle's condition after an accident, use "not drivable" to clearly communicate that it cannot be operated and requires towing or repair.

Common error

While a car might be "drivable" (i.e., the engine runs and it moves), it may "not" be manageable due to steering or brake issues. Be specific: "not drivable" indicates a fundamental inability to move the vehicle, while "not manageable" suggests control problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not drivable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, typically a vehicle or road. It describes the condition of being unable to be driven on, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe damaged cars or impassable routes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not drivable" is a grammatically correct and readily understood way to describe something, like a vehicle or a road, that cannot be driven on. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and accepted in English. Though it appears less frequently than some synonyms, it effectively conveys the state of being inoperable or impassable. It's important to use "not drivable" to mean that there is a fundamental problem with a vehicle that prevents it from moving or a route that cannot be traversed, and not just that it is difficult to control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undriveable

A direct synonym, simply using a different prefix.

impassable

Focuses on the route or path being blocked or too difficult to traverse.

inoperable

Emphasizes the vehicle's mechanical inability to function.

out of service

Suggests the vehicle is temporarily unavailable, possibly for repairs.

non-operational

A more formal way of saying "inoperable".

unserviceable

Indicates the vehicle cannot be used due to damage or disrepair.

not roadworthy

Specifically refers to the vehicle's condition not meeting safety standards.

unfit for driving

A more descriptive way to express the vehicle's unsuitability for use.

beyond repair

Suggests the vehicle is too damaged to be fixed and driven again.

not functioning

A general way of saying the vehicle isn't working correctly.

FAQs

How can I use "not drivable" in a sentence?

You can use "not drivable" to describe a vehicle that cannot be driven due to damage or mechanical failure. For example: "After the accident, the car was deemed "not drivable" and had to be towed."

What's a good alternative to "not drivable"?

Alternatives include "undriveable", "inoperable", or "unserviceable", depending on the specific reason the vehicle cannot be driven.

Which is correct: "not drivable" or "undriveable"?

Both "not drivable" and "undriveable" are correct. "Undriveable" is a direct synonym, while "not drivable" is a more descriptive phrase.

What does it mean when a road is described as "not drivable"?

When a road is "not drivable", it means it's "impassable" due to conditions like flooding, construction, or severe damage, making it impossible for vehicles to use.