Building Your Power of Expression

Abortive, adj.

Pronunciation: əˈbôrdiv

Meaning: This word denotes the failing to produce the intended result; begun or attempted but unsuccessful or brought to nothing. It is an appropriate word-choice to describe the unsuccessful outcome in producing the intended result; failing to develop fully or reach a successful conclusion. The word often suggests more than ordinary failure: something got started, but came to nothing.

Usage:

• “The rebels launched an abortive attempt to overthrow the government.”
• “After an abortive effort to repair the old engine, we finally bought a new one.”
• “The company’s abortive attempt to enter the European market cost it millions of dollars.”