Another concept, this one from Virginia-based Raytheon BBN Technologies, would use a balloon-lofted, high-altitude air gun to change the course of potentially dangerous orbital junk, such as inoperative satellites.
Source: tatoeba (12295754)
Inoperative
/ɪnˈɒp(ə)ɹətɪv/
Synonyms for "inoperative" (119 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (24)
Strong matches (36)
Adjective(9 words)
defunctdickydysfunctionaldysfunctional operationdysfunctional vibefaultyinactiveinactive mechanismsineffective
Verb(2 words)
Related words (59)
Adjective(18 words)
inoperableinvalidkaputno-outputnonfunctionalnonfunctional activitynonfunctional componentnonfunctional systemnonoperational statusnonworking systemunimplementedunpreparedunusableunusable energiesunusable energy sourceunusable materialuselessvoid
invalidnonfunctionalnonutilitariannugaciousnugatoryof no forceon the blinkon the fritzorderotioseout of commissionout of conditionout of gearout of jointout of kelterout of kilterout of orderout of repairout of tuneout of whack
Verb(3 words)
Adverb(1 words)
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: balkier, barren, blown fuse, bootless, broken.
- Sentence evidence is available for inoperative, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from derived_reverse, moby, opengloss.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "inoperative".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "inoperative"
Keep "inoperative" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "inoperative" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "inoperative", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "inoperative" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
4 entriesMore specific
6 entriesCollocations
6 entriesinoperative computerinoperative deviceinoperative engineinoperative equipmentinoperative systeminoperative valve
Inflections
2 entriesmore inoperativemost inoperative
Derivations
3 entriesAntonyms
1 entriessimilar
3 entriesSample sentences
3 total sentences available.
Let me see if I can dial this number right quick / "I am sorry, the government you have elected is inoperative / Click. Inoperative"
Source: wiktionary
RSSB's report, released on September 23 2004, revealed that that the parking brakes on neither trolley had applied. It also revealed how the fixed piping carrying hydraulic pressure to the brake units on both had been severed and blanked off. This meant the parking brakes would not have been able to be released from the RRV. Washers to provide a clamping force to keep the parking brakes on were also missing, rendering them "completely inoperative".
Source: wiktionary
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "inoperative"?
Closest matches include balkier, barren, blown fuse, bootless, broken.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "inoperative"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.