inoperative

in·op·er·a·tive

adj \-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv, -ˈä-pə-ˌrā-\

Definition of INOPERATIVE

: not operative: as a : not functioning <an inoperative clock> b : having no effect or force <an inoperative law>

— in·op·er·a·tive·ness noun

Examples of INOPERATIVE

1. The accident had rendered the vehicle inoperative.
2. With the new federal law in place, the state law has become inoperative.

First Known Use of INOPERATIVE

circa 1631

Related to INOPERATIVE

Synonyms: dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inert, inactive, latent, off, unused, vacant

Antonyms: active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, going, living, on, operating, operative, running, working

Related Words: abeyant, arrested, interrupted, suspended; unoccupied; asleep, comatose, lifeless, moribund, quiescent, sleepy; inoperable, unusable, unworkable, useless; dull, slow

Near Antonyms: functional, operable, operational, workable; assiduous, industrious, sedulous; energetic, vigorous; feasible, practical, usable (also useable), useful, viable

see all synonyms and antonyms

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