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

Unemployment rates, which stood at 29% for 16 to 17-year-olds during the period, include people actively looking for work, unlike the number of economically inactive.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Your Fidelity account, as a result, is treated as a separate, inactive plan.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

While the case is inactive, the person can remain in the U.S., work legally and pursue other avenues of relief.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

I live in a subtropical area where even the inactive can expect to be moist nine months out of the year.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

inactive

Example Sentences

Related Words