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 no longer in effect; void; canceled.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

Other Word Forms

• inoperativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoperative¹

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

Example Sentences

The need for medical care may increase — studies found a rise in emergency department visits by older adults in the days and weeks after Hurricane Sandy — while hospitals might become inaccessible or inoperative.

From Salon

The Automated Surface Observing Station, which provides weather data to pilots, was "inoperative at the time of the accident due to an unrelated power surge".

From BBC

Having been married over 20 years, my dating skills were thin, the red flags inoperative.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• defective 
• no-go 
• unworkable