inoperative

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

Synonyms for inoperative

MOST RELEVANT

adjective. not working

adjective. extinct, not functioning

adjective. inactive; sleeping

adjective. not injurious or dangerous

adjective. not engaged in action; inert, lazy

Word Origin & History

1630s, from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + operative.

As a craft stands on the ground, its planes are inoperative.

They were saluted with a volley of musketry, all but inoperative.

If these sections do not bind the Crown they are meaningless and inoperative.

In some cases they restrain individuals; upon the aggregate they are inoperative.

If it stands still in the air its planes are inoperative, and it falls.

If the mainspring is bad or inoperative, break it, and choose another.

The only things left, then, were the inoperative ideas of States.

Any manual controls would be inoperative by the pilot in any case.

Like the previous legislation, however, the act of 1872 was inoperative.

Intention may be inoperative, and effect may be involuntary.