inoperativeadj.
/ɪnˈɒpərətɪv/ Not operative; not working or taking effect in action; in Law, without practical force, invalid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > [adjective] > not operating or functioning
unoperative1627
inoperativea1631
unoperating1719
society > law > rule of law > illegality > [adjective] > legally invalid or faulty
vicious1393
void1433
naughtc1449
irrite1482
frustrate1497
null1542
bad1613
inofficial1632
null and void1651
unfirm1660
uncurrent1702
invalid1768
inept1818
inoperative1885
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1958) IX. 121 A dead Faith, as all Faith is that is inoperative, and workes not.
1727 South's 12 Serm. VI. iv. 133 Though indeed the divine Knowledge (as all other Knowledge) be of itself inoperative.
1808 S. Smith Wks. (1859) I. 114/2 Why is it to be supposed that motives..are inoperative with him alone?
1841 W. Spalding Italy & Ital. Islands III. 119 The system..was planned under difficulties which finally made it inoperative.
1885 Law Times 78 295/2 The resolutions..not having been so ratified, were inoperative.
Derivatives
inˈoperativeness n. the quality of being inoperative or of failing in its operation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > [noun] > failure to operate or function
defaulta1398
inoperativeness1880
inoperancy1936
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > [noun] > unserviceableness
unserviceableness1611
inoperativeness1880
unserviceability1884
1880 J. Muirhead Inst. of Gaius & Rules of Ulpian Digest 552 The novation put an end to the old obligation even when the new one was inoperative, unless the inoperativeness was due to the fact that the new debtor was a slave.
1883 Cassel's Fam. Mag. Aug. 543/2 The inoperativeness of the Canal Boats Act.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online March 2018).
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adj.a1631