Definitions

inactive

[in-ak-tiv] / ɪnˈæk tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

not engaged in action; inert, lazy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dormant dull idle immobile inoperative jobless passive sedentary sluggish static unemployed unused

WEAK

abeyant asleep blah dead disengaged do-nothing down draggy in holding pattern indolent latent lax lethargic limp low-key mothballed motionless on hold ossified out of action out of commission out of service out of work quiescent quiet slack sleepy slothful slow somnolent stable still torpid unoccupied

Antonyms

STRONGEST

active employed energetic lively mobile moving used

WEAK

busy involved working

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.

This interpretation implies that the planet has been geologically inactive for a long period.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

More than a year earlier, he had completed his second arduous journey to the foothills of the inactive volcano of Chimborazo, in Ecuador, to make preparatory drawings and oil sketches for this roughly 10-foot-wide work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

NBA guidelines state that Wembanyama must remain inactive for at least 24 hours and cannot resume full participation for 48 hours.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Researchers often struggle to distinguish these rare signaling molecules from the many inactive fragments created during normal protein breakdown.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

He found a monkey whose eyes had a dull appearance, not shiny and bright but glazed and somewhat inactive.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Vocabulary lists containing inactive

Physical Education - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Just Do It: Act

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Physical Education - Middle School and High School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!