WorldSeptember 1, 2026

inoperative

in-OP-er-uh-tiv

Definition

Not working, having no force, or having no legal effect.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'inoperativus,' a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'operari' (to work). It entered English in the 17th century to describe things that are ineffective or nonfunctional.

In the news

The CSN is asking the court to declare the new union law inoperative, meaning they want the court to rule that it has no legal power or validity.

Union governance: CSN challenges the law

Read the full article ↗

CityNews Montreal

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