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Definition of abortive

abortive

/əˈbɔːrtɪv/
a · bor · tive
Adverb:abortively
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abortive Lexical Profile

abortive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful or fruitless.

Example

"After an abortive attempt to negotiate a new contract, the two companies decided to part ways."

2

Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary or arrested at an early stage of growth (in biology).

Example

"Several species of flightless birds possess abortive wings that serve no aerodynamic function."

3

Serving to check, cut short, or arrest the course of a disease.

Example

"Early administration of the antiviral medication acted as an abortive treatment for the infection."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for abortive

• Rhymes for abortive

• Nearby Words

abort
abortion
abortionist
abortive
abortively
abound
about

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin abortivus, meaning 'born prematurely,' derived from the verb aboriri ('to miscarry' or 'to disappear'), formed from ab- ('away' or 'amiss') and oriri ('to arise' or 'be born').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abortive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abortive
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