1. the quality or state of not being in operation; failure to function or produce an effect
Usage: formal; often used in technical or legal contexts

Examples

• The inoperativeness of the old machinery forced the factory to invest in new equipment.
• Due to the inoperativeness of the safety system, the building was evacuated immediately.
• The contract was voided because of the inoperativeness of key provisions.
• Engineers investigated the inoperativeness of the backup generator during the power outage.
• The inoperativeness of the law in remote areas created significant challenges for enforcement.
• We cannot ignore the inoperativeness of this policy in addressing the real problem.