1
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
we have several inoperable cars on the property
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in useless
not capable of being put to use or account
a delightfully creative but inoperable plan for building a theme park in the area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inoperable
Park, whose district stretches from Los Angeles International Airport to Pacific Palisades, said inoperable RVs frequently pose a threat to public safety — attracting crime or resulting in the disposal of waste into storm drains and waterways.
—
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
The device will be available to patients with inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer as the technology continues to be tested for other cancer types.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
Raw chicken inside an inoperable display case was observed out of above proper holding temperature.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
february 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Without electricity and internet service, alarms and security systems were inoperable, and musicians like Russell DuFresne, who is also shop manager at Nashville Amplifier Service, had instruments stolen.
—Margaret Littman, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
The device will be available to patients with inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer as the technology continues to be tested for other cancer types.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
Raw chicken inside an inoperable display case was observed out of above proper holding temperature.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
february 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Without electricity and internet service, alarms and security systems were inoperable, and musicians like Russell DuFresne, who is also shop manager at Nashville Amplifier Service, had instruments stolen.
—Margaret Littman, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inoperable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperable
Adjective
-
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
-
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Five-day forecasts are virtually useless, as is our comfort level that the very worst of winter is behind us.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The screenplay also has a passing reference to Evy’s useless, off-screen boyfriend Darren (voiced by Ryan Turner).—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Finally, prioritizing recovery by keeping your fueling in check, getting plenty of sleep, and taking rest days and down weeks is key for runners looking to avoid injury, says Takacs.—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The success of the farm system, much like the major league roster, will be predicated on how a number of position player prospects respond to down seasons.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bodycon styles can feel restrictive and a little impractical for long sightseeing days, while a relaxed maxi keeps you comfortable and polished from morning to night.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2026
-
After learning how the family lives, the designer rejiggered the floor plan—moving a staircase, lowering a ceiling, and transforming an impractical formal dining room into a dreamy mudroom entry with custom cabinetry inlaid with bucolic Farrow & Ball wallpaper depicting scenes of farm life.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Every home has that one drawer where unknown or inoperative chargers end up, becoming a tangled mess.—
Kaylei Fear,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The agency has also probed 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after reports of exterior door handles becoming inoperative due to low battery voltage, leading to instances of children stuck inside.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For example, Roberts notes that if your kitchen is unusable but the rest of the house is still considered livable, your insurer might provide a temporary solution like a two-burner stove, rather than pay for a full hotel stay.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting.—
Alex Heard,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the vendors whose contract with Cal OES is ending said that the agency has still not provided evidence that the existing regional Next Generation 911 system is unsafe or nonfunctional.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There wasn’t much else to do considering the Wi-Fi, now free for all Rapid Rewards members, was nonfunctional.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The disease causes bitter, misshapen fruit unsuitable for sale or eating; infected trees eventually die, according to the CDFA.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
So many clubs have fallen victim to unsuitable ownership and abject mismanagement, dragged down far beyond their natural level.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
