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.

Randolph is in the process of revamping the former BuzzFeed channels, which still have around 40 million followers on Facebook, YouTube and other social media sites, but have remained largely inactive for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

At the same time, it must remain flexible enough to allow certain genes to be accessed while others stay inactive.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

For the latter group, 30% were economically inactive and 14.5% were unemployed.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 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

We hunched there half-hidden, the six of us, as the Crepuscule stood inactive on the river.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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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