# inoperable

/ˌɪˈnɑpɝəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnˈɒpəɹəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inoperable
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

describing a medical condition or object that cannot be fixed or used. In medicine, it usually means a tumor that is too deep or dangerous to remove through surgery.

For teachers: incapable of being operated on or repaired; specifically, a medical condition that cannot be treated surgically. Often used to describe tumors that are too large, deep, or close to vital structures to be safely removed.

## Examples

- The doctors said the tumor was inoperable.
- After several tests, the surgeon concluded that the growth was inoperable and recommended a different treatment plan.
- While the patient's condition was technically inoperable, the medical team managed to stabilize his symptoms through a combination of chemotherapy and targeted radiation therapy.

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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.