What does it mean when a system or component is described as inoperative?

When a system or component is described as inoperative, it indicates that it is malfunctioning beyond intended use. This means that the system or component is not performing its expected functions at all, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose. This terminology is often used in emergency equipment contexts to signal that the equipment is unavailable for reliable operation, which raises concerns about safety and efficiency.

The other options refer to conditions that do not completely remove the functionality of the system. For example, intermittent functioning implies that the system may still operate at times, and requiring maintenance while being usable suggests that the component can still perform at least a limited capacity. Not having been tested indicates a lack of evaluation on functionality but doesn’t necessarily imply that the system is beyond repair or completely nonfunctional. In contrast, when something is classified as inoperative, it unequivocally means that it cannot be relied upon, necessitating attention or repair before it can be used effectively.