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inoperative. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
inoperative, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
inoperative in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
inoperative you have here. The definition of the word
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inoperative, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
in- + operative.
Adjective
inoperative (not comparable)
- Not working or functioning; either idle or broken.
1974, “H2Ogate Blues”, in Winter in America, performed by Gil Scott-Heron:Let me see if I can dial this number right quick / "I am sorry, the government you have elected is inoperative / Click. Inoperative"
2024 February 7, Greg Morse, “Tebay tragedy and track safety”, in RAIL, number 1002, page 41:RSSB's report, released on September 23 2004, revealed that that the parking brakes on neither trolley had applied. It also revealed how the fixed piping carrying hydraulic pressure to the brake units on both had been severed and blanked off. This meant the parking brakes would not have been able to be released from the RRV. Washers to provide a clamping force to keep the parking brakes on were also missing, rendering them "completely inoperative".
- (law) No longer legally binding.
Translations
not working or functioning
no longer legally binding