1 inactive | Definition of inactive
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive | \ (ËŒ)i-ˈnak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio) \

Definition of inactive

: not active: such as
a(1) : sedentary
(2) : indolent, sluggish
b(1) : being out of use
(2) : relating to or being members of the armed forces who are not performing or available for military duties
(3) of a disease : quiescent
c(1) : chemically inert
(2) : optically neutral in polarized light
d : biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (such as infectivity or antigenicity)
Other Words from inactive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inactive

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from inactive

inactively adverb
inactivity \ (ËŒ)i-​ËŒnak-​ˈti-​vÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce inactivity (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for inactive

Synonyms

dull, inert, lethargic, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid

Antonyms

active

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Choose the Right Synonym for inactive

inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity. inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. on inactive status as an astronaut inactive accounts idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. workers were idle in the fields inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity. inert ingredients in drugs an inert citizenry passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control. passive resistance supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples of inactive in a Sentence

Inactive people suffer higher rates of heart disease. it's easiest to catch snakes early in the morning, while they're still cold and inactive

Recent Examples on the Web

 Bomb squad experts who were called to the scene found that the grenade was inactive. — Doha Madani, NBC News, "Philadelphia police seize massive arsenal of weapons from suicidal man's home," 30 Aug. 2019 The risk of death for participants was approximately five times higher for those who were inactive compared to those who were the most active, according to the researchers. — Allen Kim, CNN, "Want to avoid an early death? Get moving, a study says," 22 Aug. 2019 The restaurant page that was previously on the site was inactive. — NBC News, "Mario Batali, accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, no longer has stake in Eataly," 20 Aug. 2019 McGlinchey and left tackle Joe Staley started all 16 games last season while Garry Gilliam served as their top backup; Coleman was inactive all 16 games. — Cam Inman, The Mercury News, "49ers sign journeyman as swing tackle candidate to replace Coleman," 12 Aug. 2019 The Latino senators called those meetings inappropriate because the full senate was inactive. — Josh Verges, Twin Cities, "How a dispute over minority services killed Metro State University’s student senate," 5 Aug. 2019 Receivers Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin, who were inactive Saturday, did not participate. — Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, "Michael Davis hopes to say ‘Bienvenido’ to starting cornerback role," 4 Aug. 2019 As of the time of publication, the website listed in the lawsuit is inactive. — Ivana Hrynkiw | Ihrynkiw@al.com, al, "Birmingham civil rights activist sued by United Way," 2 Aug. 2019 Lasley, a fifth-round pick in 2018, was inactive for every game last season and was reportedly involved in a minor fight in Ravens camp this week. — Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Gruden: Raiders DT Johnathan Hankins an early candidate for ‘most improved’," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inactive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of inactive

1664, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for inactive

inactive

adjective
How to pronounce inactive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inactive

: not doing things that require physical movement and energy : not exercising
: not involved in the activities of a group or organization
: no longer being used : not currently being used

See the full definition for inactive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive | \ i-ˈnak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio) \

Kids Definition of inactive

: not active or in use an inactive volcano inactive mines

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive | \ (ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio) \

Medical Definition of inactive

: not active: as
a : marked by deliberate or enforced absence of activity or effort forced by illness to lead an inactive life
b of a disease : not progressing or fulminant : quiescent
c(1) : chemically inert inactive ch

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!