abortive
UK: əˈbɔːtɪv | US: əˈbɔːrtɪv
adj. failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful
adj. (biology) imperfectly developed; rudimentary
adj. (archaic) causing abortion
The word "abortive" stems from Latin abortivus, derived from abortus (past participle of aboriri, meaning "to miscarry" or "to disappear"). The root ab- implies "away from," while oriri means "to rise" (as in "origin"). Thus, the term originally described something "cut short before rising to completion." Over time, it broadened to denote general failure or incompleteness, retaining its biological and archaic medical senses.
The team's abortive attempt to launch the product cost them significant resources.
The scientist studied abortive seeds that failed to germinate.
(Archaic) Herbs with abortive properties were historically used cautiously.
The negotiations proved abortive, leaving both parties frustrated.
An abortive effort to reform the policy only deepened the conflict.