inoperative
/ɪnˈɒpərətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈɑːpərətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv -ˈä-pə-ˌrā-/ (ame, mw)
inoperative — adjective
- inoperativepositive
- more inoperativecomparative
- most inoperativesuperlative
1. If a machine, system, rule, or agreement is inoperative, it is not functioning a
If a machine, system, rule, or agreement is inoperative, it is not functioning at all or has lost the legal power it used to have.
The elevator has been inoperative for three days, so we take the stairs.
inoperative for [time period] — duration pattern
After the court ruling, the old regulation became inoperative and companies could simply ignore it.
became inoperative — describing a law losing effect
Nadia tried the ticket machine, but it was inoperative and would not accept her coins.
When both payment systems became inoperative, the shop could only accept cash from customers.
The fire alarm was inoperative during the safety check, so the manager called an electrician immediately.
- not working
neutral, everyday alternative for any context
- out of order
informal, used only for machines and equipment
- defunct
more formal, suggests something is no longer in existence or use
- invalid
used specifically for documents, laws, or agreements that have lost legal force
- operative
the direct opposite; currently working or having legal effect
- functional
working correctly, used especially for machines and systems
用法筆記
Typically used in formal or technical contexts — official reports, legal documents, and maintenance notices. Not used to describe people; only machines, systems, laws, or agreements can be inoperative.