be inert

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They theorized that sodium's core electrons, thought to be inert, would interact with each other and the outer valence electrons when under extreme pressure.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2023

The grenade was found to be inert and, according to its owner, was bought at an air show.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2023

Prof Stride also says that, if they're proven to be inert, shortened CNTs may provide an "effective mechanism for drug delivery to the inner cell region".

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2016

To Joseph, it makes as much sense for the dead to appear as spirits glowing in midair as for them to be inert and terminated.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2016

V. be inert &c. adj.; hang fire, smolder.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark