'abortive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abortivus,' where 'abor-' meant 'to fail' and '-tivus' was a suffix forming adjectives.

'abortivus' transformed into the Old French word 'abortif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abortive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to fail or miscarry,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'failing to produce the intended result.'