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Inoperable: meaning, definitions and examples

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inoperable

 

[ɪnˈɒpərəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical

Not able to be operated on; not suitable for surgery.

Synonyms

non-operable, untreatable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inoperable

Used primarily in medical fields to describe a condition or tumor that cannot be removed or treated with surgery.

  • The doctors found the tumor to be inoperable.
untreatable

Used generally in medical situations to describe conditions or diseases that cannot be treated by any means, not just surgery.

  • The disease is unfortunately untreatable with current medication.
non-operable

Similar to 'inoperable', often used in medical settings to describe something that cannot be fixed with surgery, but might also apply in technical fields for machinery that cannot be repaired.

  • The machine broke down and is now considered non-operable.
  • The patient's condition is non-operable and requires alternative treatments.

Examples of usage

  • The tumor in his brain was deemed inoperable.
  • Due to the advanced stage of the disease, the doctors determined the condition to be inoperable.
Context #2 | Adjective

technical

Not functioning or able to be used as intended.

Synonyms

non-functional, out of order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inoperable

Used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe something that cannot be repaired or fixed. Often used to describe machinery or medical conditions.

  • The engine is inoperable and needs to be replaced.
  • The tumor is inoperable, according to the surgeon.
non-functional

Indicates something that is not working properly or is unable to perform its intended function. This term can be used for a wide range of things, including devices, systems, or even body parts.

  • The remote control is non-functional and needs new batteries.
  • The software became non-functional after the update.
out of order

Typically used for public utilities or services, such as bathrooms, vending machines, or elevators, to indicate they are temporarily not working. This term often appears on signs.

  • The vending machine is out of order, please use the one on the next floor.
  • The restroom is out of order; please use the facilities on the second floor.

Examples of usage

  • The inoperable computer was sent for repairs.
  • The inoperable machinery caused a delay in production.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'inoperable' comes from Latin roots where 'in-' means 'not' and 'operabilis' means 'able to work'.
  • It entered English usage in the late 19th century, primarily in medical contexts.
  • The prefix 'in-' is commonly used in English to indicate negation or absence.

Medical Terminology

  • In medical terms, 'inoperable' often refers to diseases or tumors that cannot be removed by surgery.
  • The classification of a condition as inoperable can impact treatment decision-making and prognosis.
  • Research continues in developing advanced technologies that may one day handle previously inoperable conditions.

Technology

  • In the tech world, devices labeled as inoperable typically describe those that cannot be repaired, often leading to total replacement.
  • Software systems can also be termed inoperable when they become outdated or incompatible with hardware.
  • Issues leading to an inoperable status in machines might include critical failures beyond fixable limits.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict emergencies involving inoperable devices, adding to dramatic tension—think of malfunctioning robots or life-support systems.
  • Songs or books may metaphorically explore themes of emotional inoperability, where characters feel unable to connect or function.
  • The notion of inoperability can also appear in dystopian narratives, often representing the collapse of society or technology.

Psychology

  • An inoperable state can also relate to mental health, where individuals might feel unable to engage with life due to depression or anxiety.
  • Therapy often aims to transition individuals from this state to a more functional, operable mindset.
  • Resilience training can help individuals overcome feelings of being inoperable by fostering coping strategies for challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "inoperable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inoperável

🇮🇳 अकार्यान्वित

🇩🇪 unoperierbar

🇮🇩 tidak dapat dioperasikan

🇺🇦 непрацездатний

🇵🇱 nieoperacyjny

🇯🇵 使用不可能な

🇫🇷 inopérable

🇪🇸 inoperable

🇹🇷 ameliyat edilemez

🇰🇷 수술 불가능한

🇸🇦 غير صالح للعمل

🇨🇿 neoperovatelný

🇸🇰 neoperovateľný

🇨🇳 不可操作的

🇸🇮 neoperativen

🇮🇸 óvinnandi

🇰🇿 жұмыс істемейтін

🇬🇪 უშედეგო

🇦🇿 əməliyyata yararsız

🇲🇽 inoperable

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,437, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.