inoperative

Imagine an antique clock, beautifully crafted but stubbornly refusing to tick. That clock is inoperative. The word describes something that is not currently working or capable of functioning. It is more formal than simply saying "broken" and often suggests a complex system or mechanism rather than a simple, single object.

You might hear about an inoperative aircraft grounded due to mechanical issues, or an inoperative security system failing to protect a building. The term is frequently used in technical contexts—engineering, aviation, and technology—where precise descriptions are vital. For example, a hospital might report that a ventilator is inoperative and requires immediate maintenance.

However, "inoperative" isn't limited to physical machinery. In a legal or official sense, it describes things that lack force or effect. A law that hasn't been updated in decades and is no longer enforced could be considered inoperative. Similarly, a contract clause becomes inoperative if it no longer applies to the current situation. It implies a state of being unable to produce the desired effect or outcome.

So, while something "broken" might suggest physical damage, inoperative focuses on the lack of function—a pause in operation, whether it is a machine awaiting repair or a rule that has lost its power.