0 (of a law, rule, etc.) not having effect or power, or (of a machine, system, etc.) not working or not able to work as usual: --
1 if a law or rule is inoperative, it does not have any effect and cannot be used: --
Legislation to repeal inoperative provisions in the tax law was approved.
2 if a machine, system, etc. is inoperative, it does not work as it should and cannot be used: --
We can complete it step by step however long the road is and it can't be completed however short the road is if you don't even mark your footprint.
Можем да го завършим стъпка по стъпка, колкото и дълъг да е пътят и не може да бъде завършен, колкото и кратък да е пътят, ако дори не маркирате отпечатъка си.