Inoperative Meaning
/ɪnˈɒp(ə)ɹətɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjNot working or functioning; either idle or broken.
adjNo longer legally binding.
Sentence Examples
The machine was inoperative for months.
The inoperative device was replaced.
The old elevator has been inoperative for months.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the power surge, the computer system was completely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The elevator has been ____ for three days, so we have to take the stairs to the tenth floor.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Italic *n̥- Latin in-bor. Middle English in- English in- English operative English inoperative From in- + operative.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Let me see if I can dial this number right quick / "I am sorry, the government you have elected is inoperative / Click. Inoperative""
— 1974, “H2Ogate Blues”, in Winter in America, performed by Gil Scott-Heron:
"RSSB's report, released on September 23 2004, revealed that that the parking brakes on neither trolley had applied. It also revealed how the fixed piping carrying hydraulic pressure to the brake units on both had been severed and blanked off. This meant the parking brakes would not have been able to be released from the RRV. Washers to provide a clamping force to keep the parking brakes on were also missing, rendering them "completely inoperative"."
— 2024 February 7, Greg Morse, “Tebay tragedy and track safety”, in RAIL, number 1002, page 41:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the power surge, the computer system was completely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The elevator has been ____ for three days, so we have to take the stairs to the tenth floor.