What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
untreatable
Example
The patient's cancer was untreatable, and the doctors could only offer palliative care. [untreatable: adjective]
Example
The damage to the car's engine was untreatable, and it had to be replaced. [untreatable: adjective]
incurable
Example
The patient's diabetes was incurable, but with proper medication and lifestyle changes, they could manage their blood sugar levels. [incurable: adjective]
Example
The company's financial losses were incurable, and they had to declare bankruptcy. [incurable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incurable is more commonly used than untreatable in everyday language. Incurable is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while untreatable is more specific to medical situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between untreatable and incurable?
Both untreatable and incurable are formal terms that are typically used in professional or technical contexts, such as medicine, science, or law.
