inert

adjective

in·​ert i-ˈnərt 

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

Synonyms

• dead
• dormant
• fallow
• free
• idle
• inactive
• inoperative
• latent
• off
• unused
• vacant

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

Heff’s struggles with this art — not to mention his inert, unsuccessful attempts to get a girlfriend — only sharpened his image of himself as a beautiful failure. —Mark Oppenheimer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024

The three primary culprits this season have been an inert run game, questionable play calling from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterback Ethan Garbers logging more than twice as many interceptions (nine) as touchdown passes (four). —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024

For instance, instead of giving participants in the control arm an inert placebo, Lykos could administer a safe but active drug that is known to produce some physiological effects. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 15 Aug. 2024

Yet by themselves, tools, methods, processes and structures are inert and deadening. —Steve Denning, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing inert

• inert gas

Kids Definition

inert

adjective

in·​ert in-ˈərt 

: 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 

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