Inoperative

Pronunciation: /ɪˈnɑpərətɪv/

Definitions of inoperative

adjective not functioning or not currently in use

Example Sentences

A1 The old computer was inoperative and needed to be replaced.

A2 The elevator was temporarily inoperative, so we had to take the stairs.

B1 The printer became inoperative after a power surge and had to be repaired.

B2 The company's website was inoperative for several hours due to a server issue.

C1 The inoperative machinery caused a delay in production at the factory.

C2 The inoperative air conditioning system made the office uncomfortably hot during the heatwave.

Examples of inoperative in a Sentence

formal The machine was deemed inoperative after several failed attempts to fix it.

informal My phone is inoperative, so I can't make any calls right now.

slang The car's engine is totally inoperative; it won't start at all.

figurative His emotions seemed inoperative, as if he had shut down completely.

Grammatical Forms of inoperative

• past tense: became inoperative
• plural: inoperatives
• comparative: more inoperative
• superlative: most inoperative
• present tense: inoperative
• future tense: will be inoperative
• perfect tense: has been inoperative
• continuous tense: is being inoperative
• singular: inoperative
• positive degree: inoperative
• infinitive: to be inoperative
• gerund: being inoperative
• participle: inoperating

Origin and Evolution of inoperative

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'inoperative' originated from the Latin word 'inoperativus', which is derived from the verb 'operari' meaning 'to work'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 17th century, 'inoperative' meant 'not functioning or effective'. Over time, the word has evolved to also connote something that is inactive or not in use.