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

More than a year earlier, he had completed his second arduous journey to the foothills of the inactive volcano of Chimborazo, in Ecuador, to make preparatory drawings and oil sketches for this roughly 10-foot-wide work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

NBA guidelines state that Wembanyama must remain inactive for at least 24 hours and cannot resume full participation for 48 hours.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 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

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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