Failing to succeed or produce a desired result; incomplete or unsuccessful; also relating to abortion or miscarriage.
From Latin 'abortivus' (relating to miscarriage, born prematurely), from 'aboriri' (to miscarry). The metaphorical sense of 'unsuccessful' developed from the original biological meaning.
This word beautifully shows metaphorical extension—from the specific biological reality of miscarriage, English speakers began using 'abortive' for any failed attempt, as if all failed projects 'miscarry' like pregnancies.
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