French Conversation · Level 76
59 words
French word
inopérant
Pronunciation
IPA/inopeʁɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivenot working
Example
La machine est inopérante depuis ce matin.
The machine has not been working since this morning.
More examples
Son argument est inopérant dans cette discussion.
His argument is ineffective in this discussion.
Core concept
Something intended to act but unable to perform its function or achieve its purpose.
Common phrases
se révéler inopérant
turn out to be ineffective
un service inopérant
an inoperative service
Similar words
cassé: Physically damaged and unusable.
hors service: Not functioning and unavailable for use.
bloqué: Unable to operate because something inside is jammed or obstructed.
inefficace: Failing to produce the expected effect or result.
Definition in French
Qui ne fonctionne pas ou ne produit pas l'effet attendu.
Word origin
The French adjective inopérant developed from Latin inoperans, combining the negative prefix in- with operari, 'to work' or 'to act'.
Usage tips
- Inopérant can describe a method, measure, or argument as ineffective, not only a broken machine.
Other meanings
- ineffectiveadjective
Opposites
- opérationneloperationaladjective
- efficaceeffectiveadjective