incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˌ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: not curable

an incurable disease

broadly : not likely to be changed or corrected

incurable optimism

incurable noun

incurably

(ˌ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• hopeless
• incorrigible
• irrecoverable
• irredeemable
• irreformable
• irremediable
• irretrievable
• unrecoverable
• unredeemable

Examples of incurable in a Sentence

an incurable flirt at school dances

Recent Examples on the Web

The rare brain malformation occurs in utero and is incurable, just like Stage 4 liver cirrhosis. —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024

Arthritis is currently incurable, but the Zoo staff managed her condition with various treatments and therapies to slow down the degenerative disease and lessen the pain. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

The unscripted project, directed by Ukrainian-British filmmaker Julia Varvara, will follow Morse’s journey from losing his eyesight at the age of 19 due to the incurable condition Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy to shooting a SuperBowl commercial last year. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Come See Me in the Good Light (Director-Producer: Ryan White, Producers: Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro, Stef Willen) –– Two poets, one incurable cancer diagnosis. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin incurabilis, from Latin in- + curabilis curable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: not capable of being cured

incurably

-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

incurable

adjective

in·​cur·​able (ˈ)in-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl 

: impossible to cure

an incurable disease

incurably

-blē 

adverb