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Showing results for abortive. Search instead for abordaje.
Definitions

abortive

[uh-bawr-tiv] / əˈbɔr tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
failing to achieve a goal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
failed fruitless futile unsuccessful
WEAK
failing ineffective ineffectual miscarried unavailing unproductive useless vain worthless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fruitful productive profitable
WEAK
complete consummated effectual efficient successful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2016 for reporting on the abortive Turkish coup, his work has won a string of international awards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Besides, there are other aspects to Murphy’s monstrosity, which he co-created with Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken of the narratively abortive “Grotesquerie,” worth pondering.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

But there was also damning testimony from a detective named Sam Browne, who recalled Darrow’s words to him minutes after the abortive bribe attempt.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

So it is possible the abortive flight over Kostyantynivka was one of Moscow’s first attempts to test its new weapon in combat conditions.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2024

Its footing was unsteady and twice abortive grating sounds were all it could do in the direction of speech.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov