# incurable

/ˌɪnˈkjʊɹəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnkjˈɔːɹəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incurable
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing a sickness or a problem that cannot be fixed or healed. You use it when doctors cannot make a patient healthy again.

For teachers: referring to a medical condition or social problem for which no known remedy or treatment exists. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'remain'.

## Examples

- The doctor told him that the disease is incurable.
- Despite years of intensive research, some rare genetic disorders remain incurable with current medical technology.
- The philosopher argued that while some social ills are incurable, the effort to mitigate their effects remains a moral imperative for any functioning society.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an adjective; when used as a noun, it refers to a person who has such a condition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.