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 no longer in effect; void; canceled: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

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

More than 30 officers were killed from January to June, and more than 400 police facilities are inoperative because of criminal attacks, according to Human Rights Watch.

From Washington Times

Twitter's legal page was inoperative, which delayed the government from serving Twitter through its website until two days later, according to the documents.

From Salon

Related Words

• defective
• no-go
• unworkable