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.

Further experiments revealed that inactive GRK2 molecules clump together inside nerve cells.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Amyloid beta places additional stress on nerve cells, which leads to the formation of even more inactive GRK2.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

More than half of those were deemed to be economically inactive as they were not looking for work.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Becerra, with his extensive legal and political background spanning decades, bears responsibility for exercising greater scrutiny regarding why managing a largely inactive account commanded significantly higher fees than standard professional rates.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

During these eight years my life was uniform: but not unhappy, because it was not inactive.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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!