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Meaning & use

inoperative

adjective·Academicformal

Last updated

UK/ɪnˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/
US/ɪnˈɑː.pər.ə.t̬ɪv/

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparableformal

    Not working or not able to function as intended, especially for a machine, organ, or system.

    Grammar: Commonly follows be, become, or remain, and can precede nouns: an inoperative elevator.

    Patterns

    • become inoperative
    • inoperative machinery
    • leave something inoperative

    The fire exit was inoperative because the door sensor had failed.

    A flooded server room left the booking system inoperative.

    The old lawnmower has been inoperative since spring.

  2. adjectivenot comparableformallegal

    No longer legally valid or in force.

    Grammar: Used mainly in formal legal, official, or business writing.

    Patterns

    • inoperative clause
    • render something inoperative
    • declare something inoperative

    The court declared the outdated clause inoperative.

    A later treaty rendered the earlier restriction inoperative.

    The amendment made the temporary rule inoperative after June.

Common combinations

become inoperative
The backup generator became inoperative during the storm.
inoperative equipment
Inoperative equipment must be tagged and removed.
render something inoperative
The new policy rendered the old procedure inoperative.
declare something inoperative
The judge may declare the contested section inoperative.

Synonyms and how they differ

broken
Broken is everyday and broad; inoperative is formal and often used in reports, law, or technical notices.
defunct
Defunct means no longer existing or operating, especially organizations or systems; inoperative can describe a temporary failure.
invalid
Invalid fits rules or documents lacking force, but is less natural for machines that simply will not run.

Opposites

operativeworkingvalid

Word family

operate verb
To function or control the working of something.
operative adjective
Working, in force, or relevant; the base opposite in many contexts.
operation noun
The condition of functioning, or a planned activity.
operator noun
A person who controls a machine, service, or process.

Commonly confused: inoperative or inoperable?

inoperative vs inoperable

Inoperable often means impossible to operate on, as in an inoperable tumor, while inoperative means not working or not in effect.

Practice

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