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: --
Why did he say then that they were inoperative and, indeed, unnecessary?
The two walk-through metal detection scanners referred to have been inoperative for three years.
The tenth initiative relates to the tightening up of hygienic handling of eggs, and is inoperative while we await new statutory action.
It is unnecessary to cost the effect of these cumbersome provisions, as they will be repealed at the first opportunity and will meanwhile remain inoperative.
They are clumsy, tedious, costly, and inoperative, and they have been so for nearly twenty years.
The vehicle, among other things, had no lights, faulty brakes, an inoperative handbrake, a faulty exhaust and bald tyres.
The present law governing the militia has been on the statute books for one hundred and ten years and has long since been inoperative and obsolete.
This structure is indeed largely inoperative.
