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.

According to the study, the barriers are not inactive sections of rock.

From Science Daily • May 16, 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

Some were zombie unions: long inactive in practice but still recognized on paper as the exclusive legal representative, blocking workers from going anywhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

More stable regions tended to contain inactive genes, while rapidly changing regions were linked to genes that were actively being used.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

In recent years, the committee had been virtually inactive, but Paul envisioned a more dynamic future.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing inactive

Physical Education - Introductory

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Just Do It: Act

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Physical Education - Middle School and High School

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