Inoperative
adjective
Not working or not able to function.
The ancient machinery is now totally inoperative.
Often appears as...
- become inoperative
- render inoperative
adjective
Not in effect or operation legally or politically.
The treaty became inoperative once the country withdrew.
Often appears as...
- declare inoperative
- become inoperative
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Not working or not able to function.
The ancient machinery is now totally inoperative.
Often appears as...
- become inoperative
- render inoperative
adjective
Not in effect or operation legally or politically.
The treaty became inoperative once the country withdrew.
Often appears as...
- declare inoperative
- become inoperative
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Breakdown
Think of 'inoperative' as something broken down into parts that can't work together.
After the flood, all electrical appliances were inoperative.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Inoperative' often indicates a temporary condition that may be fixed in the future.
The escalator is temporarily inoperative due to maintenance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasis on Inactivity
Use 'inoperative' to emphasize the lack of activity or movement in a machine or system.
With the power outage, all conveyor belts remained inoperative.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Breakdown
Think of 'inoperative' as something broken down into parts that can't work together.
After the flood, all electrical appliances were inoperative.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Inoperative' often indicates a temporary condition that may be fixed in the future.
The escalator is temporarily inoperative due to maintenance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasis on Inactivity
Use 'inoperative' to emphasize the lack of activity or movement in a machine or system.
With the power outage, all conveyor belts remained inoperative.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Breakdown
Think of 'inoperative' as something broken down into parts that can't work together.
After the flood, all electrical appliances were inoperative.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State
'Inoperative' often indicates a temporary condition that may be fixed in the future.
The escalator is temporarily inoperative due to maintenance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasis on Inactivity
Use 'inoperative' to emphasize the lack of activity or movement in a machine or system.
With the power outage, all conveyor belts remained inoperative.
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Quote examples
Ron Ziegler
American Politician
This is the operative statement. The others are inoperative.
Quote examples
Ron Ziegler
American Politician
This is the operative statement. The others are inoperative.
Example 1 of 1
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