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.

The number of economically inactive young people was 613,000.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

More than half of those were deemed to be economically inactive as they were not looking for work.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

For example, dormant viruses that remain inactive for years can become active again when the immune system weakens with age, leading to conditions such as shingles.

From Science Daily • May 22, 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

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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