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.

Researchers often struggle to distinguish these rare signaling molecules from the many inactive fragments created during normal protein breakdown.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

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

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

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

Some plates are large and comparatively inactive, others small but energetic.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

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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