Inoperative (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: DEFUNCT (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Inoperative" with 7 letters is "DEFUNCT".Defunct means something that is no longer in operation, use, or existence, often referring to businesses, organizations, or systems that have ceased to function or been discontinued. It is used to describe anything that has been rendered obsolete, ineffective, or inactive.
Why “Defunct” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “inoperative.” The answer, DEFUNCT, fits perfectly:
- Inoperative: Defunct describes something that no longer exists, functions, or operates — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, defunct fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word defines a state of nonexistence or disuse, referring to things that have ceased to function, exist, or hold relevance.
Defunct is a formal yet widely used word with Latin roots tied to cessation and conclusion:
Origin and usage:
- Derived from Latin defunctus meaning “dead” or “having finished one’s duty.” The prefix de- means “away from,” and fungi means “to perform.”
- It entered English in the 16th century, initially referring to deceased persons, later extended to institutions, systems, or machinery that no longer operate.
Common contexts:
- Organizations or institutions: “The defunct railway company was replaced by a new operator.”
- Technology: “That software is now defunct.”
- Everyday use: “The law is now defunct and obsolete.”
Examples:
- “The defunct station was turned into a museum.”
- “The committee became defunct after the project ended.”
- “The broken bridge lay defunct for decades.”
In quick crosswords like “Inoperative (7),” synonyms for inactive or obsolete often provide the correct answer:
- Definition: “Inoperative” directly defines defunct, as both describe something that no longer functions or is in working condition.
- Clue type: Simple definition clue — clear and literal.
Solving approach:
- Look for synonyms of “inactive,” “out of order,” or “no longer existing.”
- The (7) enumeration fits defunct perfectly among similar terms like expired or obsolete.
Crossword pattern: Many quick crossword clues use adjectives like defunct to describe systems, entities, or laws that have ended or lapsed, making it a staple word in concise puzzles.
