Clues for the word "ABORTIVE"
We've had 13 crossword clues used for this word, and seen it 25 times in crosswords. It was last seen in Evening Standard Quick crossword on May 28, 2025.
Definition of abortive
- v. - Produced by abortion; born prematurely; as, an abortive child.
- v. - Made from the skin of a still-born animal; as, abortive vellum.
- v. - Rendering fruitless or ineffectual.
- v. - Coming to naught; failing in its effect; miscarrying; fruitless; unsuccessful; as, an abortive attempt.
- v. - Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile; as, an abortive organ, stamen, ovule, etc.
- v. - Causing abortion; as, abortive medicines.
- v. - Cutting short; as, abortive treatment of typhoid fever.
- n. - That which is born or brought forth prematurely; an abortion.
- n. - A fruitless effort or issue.
- n. - A medicine to which is attributed the property of causing abortion.
Referring Clues
- Cut short, as an attempt
- Unsuccessful, as a mission
- Unsuccessful
- Like a failed space launch
- Fruitless
- Steal show outside, returning fruitless
- Failing to produce the intended result - a bit over, perhaps
- A bit over-developed and not finally successful
- Failing because done too soon
- Unsuccessful 1 is around - take it over
- Unfortunately over a bit prematurely?
- Unsuccessful over holding it right back
- Failing to accomplish an intended result
Last Seen In
- Evening Standard Quick - May 28, 2025
- Evening Standard Easy - November 28, 2023
- Evening Standard Easy - February 02, 2023
- Evening Standard Easy - September 20, 2017
- Evening Standard Easy - January 12, 2017
- Guardian Cryptic - September 21, 2016
- Evening Standard Easy - June 01, 2016
- Guardian Quick - May 14, 2016
- LA Times - May 22, 2015
- Guardian Speedy - July 14, 2013
- Guardian Cryptic - November 02, 2012
- Washington Post - October 22, 2012
- Guardian Quick - August 16, 2012
- Guardian Cryptic - April 25, 2011
- Guardian Quick - October 18, 2009
- Netword - July 17, 2009
- Guardian Quick - March 12, 2009
- Guardian Cryptic - August 19, 2008
- Washington Post - August 08, 2008
- LA Times - March 30, 2008
- New York Times - May 14, 2006
- New York Times - June 27, 2005
- Guardian Cryptic - September 28, 2001
- Guardian Cryptic - March 13, 2001
- Washington Post - December 19, 1999