inoperative

Everyday

1. (formal) Inoperative means not working or not in use: The lift is inoperative. tree →
2. (formal) Inoperative can mean a rule or law that no longer has any effect. tree →

In the lessons

A formal and official word on signs and in reports: «This machine is inoperative» means it is broken or switched off. In safety, an inoperative smoke alarm is dangerous and must be fixed. Everyday speech says «broken», «out of order» or «not working».

Examples

• (formal) The lift is inoperative; please use the stairs. tree →
• The smoke alarm was inoperative because the battery was flat. tree →
• (formal) The ticket machine is currently inoperative. tree →
• Two of the five lights were inoperative. tree →
• The old rule became inoperative when the new one began. tree →
• Report any inoperative equipment to the teacher. tree →

Note

Formal; the prefix in- means «not». Do not confuse with «inoperable» (cannot be operated on by a doctor). In maths: if 2 of 5 machines are inoperative, 3 are working.