'inoperative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inoperativus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'operativus' meant 'working or effective.'

'inoperativus' transformed into the French word 'inopératif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inoperative' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not working or effective,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.