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abortive

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.04 sec.
a·bor·tive  (-bôrtv)
adj.
1. Failing to accomplish an intended objective; fruitless: an abortive attempt to conclude the negotiations.
2. Biology Partially or imperfectly developed: an abortive organ.
3. Causing or meant to cause abortion; abortifacient.
a·bortive·ly adv.
a·bortive·ness n.
abortive
Adjective
failing to achieve its purpose
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.abortiveabortive - failing to accomplish an intended result; "an abortive revolt"; "a stillborn plot to assassinate the President"
stillborn, unsuccessful
unfruitful - not fruitful; not conducive to abundant production
abortive
adjective failed, failing, useless, vain, unsuccessful, idle, ineffective, futile, fruitless, unproductive, ineffectual, miscarried, unavailing, bootless
Translations
Spanish abortive [əˈbɔːtɪv] adj → fracasado
French abortive [əˈbɔːtɪv] adj → manqué(e)
German abortive [əˈbɔːtɪv] abort adj → misslungen
Italian abortive [əˈbɔːtɪv] adj → abortivo/a
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
In short, she returned from both, plainly convinced, not only that her scheme of reconciliation had proved abortive, but that she must for ever give over all thoughts of bringing it about by any means whatever.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry View in context
By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of real knowledge.
Frankenstein by Shelley, Mary View in context
Nell returned a satisfactory reply, and Mrs Jarley, after sticking a great many pins into various parts of her figure, and making several abortive attempts to obtain a full view of her own back, was at last satisfied with her appearance, and went forth majestically.
The Old Curiosity Shop by Dickens, Charles View in context
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