1 inert | Definition of inert
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inert

adjective
in·​ert | \ i-ˈnÉ™rt How to pronounce inert (audio) \

Definition of inert

1 : lacking the power to move
2 : very slow to move or act : sluggish
3 : deficient in active properties especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
Other Words from inert Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inert

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Other Words from inert

inert noun
inertly adverb
inertness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for inert

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 inert in a Sentence

an inert and lifeless body How does he propose to stimulate the inert economy and create jobs?

Recent Examples on the Web

 Hubbard’s thoughts on Thetans will survive anything, as they’re reportedly inscribed on etched steel plates in titanium containers filled with inert argon gas. — Matt Farwell, The New Republic, "Jeffrey Epstein Chose New Mexico for a Reason," 15 Aug. 2019 The Air Force said the dummy bombs, though inert, contain small pyrotechnic charges and should not be handled. — USA TODAY, "Kacey Musgraves, sneaker flap, skiing in July: News from around our 50 states," 3 July 2019 The young woman’s skin is waxen, her eyes unfocused, her posture cramped and scared, her hands inert and curled like claws. — Anne Boyer, Harper's magazine, "Bed Death & Beyond," 19 Aug. 2019 These stars have already exhausted the hydrogen fuel at their hearts, converting it to a core of helium that sits, inert, as a hydrogen shell around the core continues to burn. — Joshua Sokol, Science | AAAS, "Debate intensifies over speed of expanding universe," 19 July 2019 Both women drew criticism for appearing to help justify the disappearance of Sheikha Latifa, who looked dazed and inert in the photographs. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New York Times, "Another Dubai Princess Defects. Anguished Poetry Ensues.," 2 July 2019 National conservatives regard the objects of their compassion as inert victims, who are as passive as brown paper parcels, awaiting government rescue from circumstances. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: ‘National conservatism’ is ‘Elizabeth Warren conservatism’," 11 Aug. 2019 Unlike an inert molecule introduced to the body for some temporary effect, CAR-T is alive. — Charles Graeber, WIRED, "How Scientists Built a ‘Living Drug’ to Beat Cancer," 25 July 2019 These are the types of lasers that are best suited to photonics applications that need to use inert materials—oxides are very unreactive—and need to be small. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Wireless nanowire lasers absorb infrared, emit blue light," 1 June 2019

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

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First Known Use of inert

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for inert

Latin inert-, iners unskilled, idle, from in- + art-, ars skill — more at arm

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More Definitions for inert

inert

adjective
How to pronounce inert (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inert

: unable to move
: moving or acting very slowly
chemistry : not able to affect other chemicals when in contact with them : not chemically reactive

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

inert

adjective
in·​ert | \ i-ˈnÉ™rt How to pronounce inert (audio) \

Kids Definition of inert

: unable or slow to move or react inert gas

Other Words from inert

inertness noun

inert

adjective
in·​ert | \ in-ˈərt How to pronounce inert (audio) \

Medical Definition of inert

1

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