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.

If one is missing, the reaction does not begin, and the drug remains inactive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

After four seasons, he left for a three-year, $51-million contract with the Eagles, but injuries limited him in 2024 and he was inactive for the team’s Super Bowl win.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

In a separate post after the markets closed, Trump said the U.S. had destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats, “with more to follow.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

The protein needed to switch cleanly between active and inactive states for the cell to survive.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

The Germans withdrew to their home ports, where they remained, largely inactive, until the war ended.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

inactive

Example Sentences

Related Words