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.

According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics, around one in three people aged 16 to 64 are "economically inactive" - unemployed and not currently seeking work - in several communities.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Cells with extra DNA may stop functioning normally, become inactive, die, change into other cell types, accumulate age related damage, or contribute to diseases including cancer.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

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

He found a monkey whose eyes had a dull appearance, not shiny and bright but glazed and somewhat inactive.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Vocabulary lists containing inactive

Physical Education - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Just Do It: Act

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Physical Education - Middle School and High School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!