Synonyms of abortive

abortive

adjective

ə-ˈbȯr-tiv 

as in unsuccessful

producing no results

an abortive attempt to recover the sunken pirate ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsuccessful
• futile
• useless
• in vain
• unavailing
• fruitless
• unprofitable
• vain
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• unproductive
• insufficient
• bootless
• impossible
• profitless
• no dice
• worthless
• of no avail
• not worth the candle
• inadequate
• otiose
• inefficacious
• barren
• meaningless
• empty
• lost
• pointless
• hollow
• idle
• valueless
• hopeless
• lacking
• counterproductive
• unattainable
• no-win
• wanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• successful
• effective
• efficient
• profitable
• productive
• fruitful
• deadly
• virtuous
• potent
• meaningful
• worthwhile
• adequate
• sufficient
• effectual
• efficacious
• practical
• feasible
• applicable
• functional
• workable
• usable
• practicable
• realizable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abortive

The move fizzled and Herbst stayed put, but the abortive removal attempt has lingered like a dark cloud ever since. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2026

Six of the album’s tracks began in abortive sessions in the 2010s with Patti Smith Group bassist Tony Shanahan. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026

The social media profiles of some Moran personnel also show they were linked to Wagner, which was effectively liquidated after its then boss Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an abortive revolt in Russia in 2023. — Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Even as Nintendo has endlessly mined its classic consoles for nostalgic re-releases in recent decades, the company has seemed to completely ignore the existence of the Virtual Boy—its abortive 1990s dip into the world of early virtual reality. — ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025