inert

adjective

in·​ert i-ˈnərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
1
: lacking the power to move
2
: very slow to move or act : sluggish
3
: deficient in active properties
especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
inert noun
inertly adverb
inertness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for inert

inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity.

inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples of inert in a Sentence

an inert and lifeless body How does he propose to stimulate the inert economy and create jobs?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 It was long thought to be an inert compound that wasn't biologically reactive and couldn't cause any problems. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 The implication is that this dereliction explains why the institution is inert and unresponsive to the American people. Lorelei Kelly, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025 In Kinda Pregnant, an inert Netflix comedy directed by Tyler Spindel from a script penned by Julie Paiva and Amy Schumer, baby fever leads to questionable decision making and a bizarre, but ultimately predictable, adventure. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inert

Word History

Etymology

Latin inert-, iners unskilled, idle, from in- + art-, ars skill — more at arm

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inert was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inert. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inert

adjective
in·​ert in-ˈərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
: unable or slow to move, act, or react
inert ingredients in cough medicine
inert gas
inertly adverb
inertness noun

Medical Definition

inert

adjective
in·​ert in-ˈərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
1
: lacking the power to move
2
: deficient in active properties
especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
an inert drug
inertness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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