abortive
Translation
unsuccessful, failed, fruitless
Examples
It was an abortive attempt to rescue the team.
It was an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the team.
Grammar Patterns
an abortive ((noun)) an unsuccessful (noun) An abortive attempt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unsuccessful, failed, fruitless; Antonyms: successful, fruitful
Etymology
From Latin 'aboriri' (to miscarry), from 'ab-' (away) + 'oriri' (to be born). It means ending before completion.
Memory Tips
Think of a mission being 'aborted' before it's finished. An 'abortive' attempt is one that has been stopped early.