# operable

/ˈɑpɝəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˈɒpəɹəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/operable
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

functional, working, operational, usable

## Antonyms

inoperable, broken, unusable

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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.