inoperative

[ in-op-er-uh-tiv, -op-ruh-tiv, -op-uh-rey-tiv ]

adjective

1. not operative; not in operation.
2. without effect:

   inoperative remedies.

3. no longer in effect; void; canceled:

   The earlier rule is now inoperative.

inoperative

/ -ˈɒprə-; ɪnˈɒpərətɪv /

adjective

1. not operating
2. useless or ineffective

Derived Forms

• inˈoperativeness, noun

Other Words From

• in·oper·a·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoperative¹

First recorded in 1625–35; in- ³ + operative

Example Sentences

Then the piece of fuselage covering an inoperative emergency exit behind the left wing blew out.

From Seattle Times

In 1974, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger was the first to identify the burnout syndrome: Due to excessive demands on energy, strength and resources, a person becomes overwhelmed, exhausted and “inoperative.”

From Salon

The fire began around 9 p.m. when a Jeep Wrangler being used to push the mostly inoperative vehicles up steep ramps of the 12-level ship caught fire, causing a port worker to jump out the driver’s door and run for portable fire extinguishers that quickly proved inadequate.

From Seattle Times

This results in low-density impellers, which “can deform and interfere with the fuel pump body” over time, regulators said, leading to an inoperative fuel pump.

From Seattle Times

Meanwhile, the inoperative GOP House majority has been called a "clown show" and dysfunctional by some of its own members.

From Salon

Related Words

• defective
• no-go
• unworkable