What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unwearable
Example
The dress was unwearable after it got caught on a nail and ripped. [unwearable: adjective]
Example
These shoes are unwearable because they are too tight. [unwearable: adjective]
inoperable
Example
The car was inoperable after the engine died. [inoperable: adjective]
Example
The tumor was inoperable due to its location and size. [inoperable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inoperable is more commonly used than unwearable in technical or formal contexts, such as engineering, medicine, or computer science. Unwearable is less common and is mostly used in casual or everyday language to describe damaged or unusable clothing or accessories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unwearable and inoperable?
Inoperable is more formal and technical than unwearable, which has a more casual and informal tone. Therefore, inoperable is more appropriate to use in formal or technical writing, while unwearable is more suitable for casual or everyday language.
