Actually (pet word of mine), it describes something that can belong to one person, but can't be taken from that person and given to another. Even things (like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) that belong to one person can be taken from that one person, but taking "liberty" from a first person does not give "liberty" to a second. Likewise with "life." Likewise with "pursuit of happiness," and even "happiness" itself. Each person has it, or not. But you can't take your liberty and give it to an incarcerated person. You can't take your life and cause the dead to rise.
Sorta takes the raw emotional power away from the word "inalienable," since it doesn't exalt the thing being named. The word "inalienable" is just a sterile observation.
Perhaps. But it still has great meaning.
Who can deny that Terri Schiavo's right to life was alienated from her?
Nothing sterile about that factual observation.