Word
operable
Phoneticsop·er·a·ble, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑpɝəbəɫ/
UK/ˈɒpəɹəbəl/
Definition
adj. able to work or be used in the normal way. Doctors also use it to mean an illness or growth that can be treated with surgery.
adj. capable of being operated or functioning effectively; fit for use. In medicine, describes a lesion or condition amenable to surgical intervention.
Examples
“The old elevator is still operable after the repairs.”
“After the storm, only one pump remains operable, so the crew uses it to clear water from the basement.”
“Although the telescope's main mirror survived the fire, engineers doubted whether its delicate tracking mechanism would remain operable under extreme desert conditions.”
Examples
simple
“The old elevator is still operable after the repairs.”
contextual
“After the storm, only one pump remains operable, so the crew uses it to clear water from the basement.”
complex
“Although the telescope's main mirror survived the fire, engineers doubted whether its delicate tracking mechanism would remain operable under extreme desert conditions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “operable” in context.
Verb
01. consider operable
“Surgeons did not consider the tumour operable at that stage.”
verb + adj
02. keep operable
“Engineers work around the clock to keep the system operable.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. barely operable
“The hospital generator was barely operable during the blackout.”
adv + adj
04. fully operable
“Both engines were fully operable after the emergency repairs.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. operable cancer
“Early detection means the cancer is often operable.”
adj + noun
06. operable machine
“The factory has only three operable machines left.”
adj + noun
07. operable system
“Backup generators ensure an operable system during power cuts.”
adj + noun
08. operable tumour
“Scans confirmed she had an operable tumour in her lung.”
adj + noun
09. deemed operable by surgeons
“The growth was deemed operable by surgeons after further scans.”
10. keep system operable
“Technicians work nightly to keep the system operable.”
11. no longer operable
“After the flood, the heating system was no longer operable.”
12. operable lung cancer
“He was diagnosed with operable lung cancer last spring.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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