Definition

This word describes something that is unsuccessful or fails to achieve its intended goal. It can also refer to something that is not fully developed or is incomplete.

Example

The team's abortive efforts to secure funding left them without resources for the project.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you heard about their abortive attempts to start the new project?

Yeah, I read about it; seems like nothing went as planned.

It's a shame because they had some great ideas, but the execution was abortive.

Totally! Hopefully, they can learn from it and try again.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abortive → It is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "oriri" (meaning to rise or to be born). The word "abortive" refers to something that fails to develop or is unsuccessful in coming to fruition, as if it has been cut away before it could fully rise or be born.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'cut away' ('ab-') before it can 'rise' or be born ('oriri') — that's why abortive means unsuccessful or failing to develop.

Visually Confused Words