adj
abortive
Abortive (adj) means Born too early, before it was fully formed, and so seeming unnatural.
adj
1
Born too early, before it was fully formed, and so seeming unnatural.
2
Unsuccessful; failing to achieve its purpose.
"Not surprisingly, ERS has that market covered. It now owns all five of the vehicles fitted with generators for the abortive Nightstar services through the Channel Tunnel."
— James Steward tells Joe Campbell, Thriving on the stock exchange (2025)
3
Not fully grown or developed; underdeveloped.
4
(medicine) Able to bring about a miscarriage.
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Etymology
First recorded in 1382 with the meaning "causing stillbirth or miscarriage". Came into English as Middle English abortif, from Old French abortif, from Latin abortīvus ("causing abortion"), from aborior ("miscarry, disappear"), made up of ab ("amiss") and orior ("appear, be born, arise").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for abortive
See all rhymes for abortive →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of abortive?
"abortive" (adj) means born too early, before it was fully formed, and so seeming unnatural.
What is another word for abortive?
Other words for "abortive" include stillborn, unsuccessful.
What is the opposite of abortive?
Opposites of "abortive" include auspicious, fruitful.
What are the different meanings of abortive?
"abortive" has 3 main meanings: 1. Born too early, before it was fully formed, and so seeming unnatural; 2. Unsuccessful; failing to achieve its purpose; 3. Not fully grown or developed; underdeveloped.
