inoperative
Americanadjective
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not operative; not in operation.
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without effect.
inoperative remedies.
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no longer in effect; void; canceled.
The earlier rule is now inoperative.
adjective
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not operating
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useless or ineffective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inoperative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its combat fleet also includes Russian MiG-29s and Belarusian Sukhoi Su-27s, most of which are inoperative or in reserve.
From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026
Goldman previously thought the Strait might be inoperative for about half that time.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 12, 2026
Kia said owners have received multiple notices on the recall by mail and that when inoperative vehicles are excluded, roughly 35% remain uncompleted.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
The Automated Surface Observing Station, which provides weather data to pilots, was "inoperative at the time of the accident due to an unrelated power surge".
From BBC ● May 23, 2025
Perhaps previously, I had awakened only at night; or perhaps in my distraction, my sight as well as my other faculties had been rendered inoperative.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
