inoperable
in-OP-er-uh-buhl
/ɪnˈɒpərəbəl/
Not able to be operated or to function; not suitable for surgery.
Primarily means that a machine, system, or even a person (in a medical context) cannot be used or cannot function. It implies a state of being completely out of commission.
The story behind the word. The word 'inoperable' is built from Latin roots. The prefix 'in-' means 'not' or 'opposite of'. 'Operable' comes from 'operari', meaning 'to work' or 'to labor', combined with '-able', meaning 'capable of'. So, 'inoperable' literally means 'not capable of being worked' or 'not capable of functioning'. Its medical sense, 'not suitable for surgery', also fits this idea of 'not able to be worked on' or 'not able to be fixed by operation'.
Word relationships
- unusable: More general; 'inoperable' specifically means it cannot be operated or function.
- non-functional: Similar to 'inoperable', emphasizing the lack of function.
- defunct: No longer existing or functioning; often used for organizations or systems that have ceased to exist.
- operable: Able to be operated or to function.
- functional: Working or operating.
Commonly confused with
- malfunction: Something that 'malfunctions' is working incorrectly. Something 'inoperable' is not working at all; it cannot be operated.
- breakdown: A 'breakdown' is the event of failure. 'Inoperable' is the state resulting from that failure (or another cause), meaning it cannot be used.
Word family
- operable (adjective): able to be operated or to function
- operate (verb): to control the functioning of a machine, process, or system
Collocations
- rendered inoperable
- become inoperable
- inoperable equipment
- inoperable system
Example sentences
- "After the severe power surge, the entire server rack was rendered inoperable, causing a massive data loss." Describing a broken machine.
- "The tumor was found to be inoperable due to its size and location, making surgical removal impossible." A medical diagnosis.
- "The legacy software became inoperable after the operating system update, as it was no longer compatible." A system that cannot be used.
Memory hook
If something is 'INOPERABLE', it's 'IN' (not) able to 'OPERATE'. INOPERABLE = not operate
When not to use
Do not use 'inoperable' for minor issues like 'glitches' or 'lag'. It signifies a complete inability to function.
Fun facts
- The root 'oper' is found in many English words related to work or action, such as 'operate', 'operation', and 'cooperate'.
- The medical use of 'inoperable' is particularly grim, indicating a condition beyond surgical remedy.
Related words
Explore more words
defunct, irrevocable, inconsolable, inhospitable, unsustainable, obsolete
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