What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inoperable
Example
The car was inoperable after the engine caught fire. [inoperable: adjective]
Example
The tumor was inoperable due to its location in the brain. [inoperable: adjective]
unusable
Example
The phone screen was cracked and unusable. [unusable: adjective]
Example
The software was unusable due to frequent crashes and errors. [unusable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unusable is more commonly used than inoperable in everyday language. Unusable is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while inoperable is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inoperable and unusable?
Inoperable has a more formal connotation than unusable. It is often used in technical or medical contexts, while unusable is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
