# abortively

CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abortively
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to stop an action or process before it is finished, often because it failed or was not working.

For teachers: to terminate an action or process prematurely, typically due to failure or lack of progress.

## Examples

- The team tried to launch the rocket but had to abortively stop.
- The committee abortively attempted to pass the new law before realizing the public was strongly against it.
- The mission was abortively halted when a critical system failure occurred just minutes before the final descent, leaving the crew to return to the safety of the orbiting station.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.