Definition of incurable

The word "incurable" derives from two Latin roots: "in" meaning "not," and "cura" meaning "care" or "cure." When put together, "incurable" essentially translates to "not capable of being cured." The term originally referred to medical conditions that could not be successfully treated with existing medical knowledge and techniques. Back in the medieval ages, most diseases and illnesses were considered incurable, and patients with such conditions were often thought to be suffering as a form of divine punishment or curse. As medical science progressed, some diseases previously deemed incurable were eventually found to have cures. However, the word "incurable" persists today to describe conditions that currently lack effective treatments or remedies, such as certain types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Although medical professionals remain hopeful that breakthroughs will be achieved in the future, for the time being, these conditions continue to be regarded as incurable.