Home/USA Today Rootonym/Not working, performing, functioning or exerting force or influence; being ineffective (adjective)
Not working, performing, functioning or exerting force or influence; being ineffective (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Not working, performing, functioning or exerting force or influence; being ineffective (adjective)”? The solution is INOPERATIVE, a 11-letter word built on the root OPER (“work”). It appeared in the August 26, 2026 (Wednesday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
INOPERATIVE
**OPER*****OPERmeans “work”
In a sentence
Don's car is INOPERATIVE because the mechanic has not yet located parts for the repair.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Not working, performing, functioning or exerting force or influence; being ineffective (adjective)” has the answer INOPERATIVE (11 letters), built on the root OPER, which means “work”. Browse the full August 26, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.