abortive > define

adjective

• Failing to accomplish an intended result.
  • usage: "an abortive revolt"; "a stillborn plot to assassinate the President"
  • synonyms: stillborn, unsuccessful

• (v.) Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as, an abortive child.
• (v.) Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as, abortive vellum.
• (v.) Rendering fruitless or ineffectual.
• (v.) Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful; as, an abortive attempt.
• (v.) Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.
• (v.) Causing abortion; as, abortive medicines.
• (v.) Cutting short; as, abortive treatment of typhoid fever.
• (n.) That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion.
• (n.) A fruitless effort or issue.
• (n.) A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing abortion.