Inoperative
/ˌɪnˈɑːpərətɪv/noun
Not functioning or not in effect.
Did you know?The word is built from the Latin negative prefix in- plus operari, meaning “to work,” so its ancient core is literally about something that cannot do its work.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
in- + operari
“not to work; not active”
Late Latin
Latin
operativus
“working, effective”
Middle English
English
inoperative
“not working or not in force”
Modern English
English
inoperative
“not functioning or not legally effective”