inoperative
/ɪnˈɒpərətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈɑːpərətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv -ˈä-pə-ˌrā-/ (ame, mw)
inoperative — 形容詞
- inoperativepositive
- more inoperativecomparative
- most inoperativesuperlative
1. If a machine, system, rule, or agreement is inoperative, it is not functioning a
失效；失靈
無法運作或不具法律效力的
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.
電梯已經失靈三天了，所以我們都走樓梯。
inoperative for [time period] — duration pattern
After the court ruling, the old regulation became inoperative and companies could simply ignore it.
法院判決之後，那條舊法規就失效了，公司可以直接不理會它。
became inoperative — describing a law losing effect
Nadia tried the ticket machine, but it was inoperative and would not accept her coins.
Nadia 試了那臺售票機，但那臺機器壞了，不肯收她的硬幣。
When both payment systems became inoperative, the shop could only accept cash from customers.
當兩套付款系統都失靈時，這家商店只能收顧客的現金。
The fire alarm was inoperative during the safety check, so the manager called an electrician immediately.
安全檢查時火災警報器是壞的，所以管理員立刻叫了電工來。
- 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.