Meaning & Definition of word "Abortive"

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    Abortive

    /əˈbɔːrtɪv/

    adjective:

    • 1. failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful.
      • Example: The team made an abortive attempt to launch the rocket before the storm hit.
    • 2. born prematurely; not fully developed.
      • Example: The plant produced abortive flowers that never fully bloomed.
    • 3. terminated before a planned endpoint; incomplete.
      • Example: Her abortive career in acting left her seeking new opportunities in writing.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'abortivus' meaning 'causing abortion, premature', from 'aborior' meaning 'to perish, to be born'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    abortive attempt:

    An unsuccessful effort to achieve a goal.

    abortive plan:

    A plan that fails to come to fruition.

    abortive action:

    An action that does not yield the intended results.

    Related Words

    abortion:

    The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy.

    abort:

    To terminate prematurely.

    abortive medicine:

    Medications intended to terminate a disease process promptly.

    Slang Meanings of abortive

    Meaning: A failed attempt or effort.

    Example Sentence: That concert was an abortive event due to the rain.

    Meaning: A project or plan that flopped.

    Example Sentence: Their startup was an abortive venture; they shut down in six months.