The definition of inoperable is something that cannot work as intended, or something that cannot be fixed through a surgical procedure. An example of inoperable is cancer that has spread throughout the body and that can't be cured through surgery; inoperable cancer. Not functioning; inoperative.

What does it mean if something is inoperable?

1 : not treatable or remediable by surgery an inoperable brain tumor. 2 : not functioning : inoperative.

What is a word for something that doesn't work?

ineffective. adjective. something that is ineffective does not work correctly or does not do what you want it to do.