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Definitions

inertia

[in-ur-shuh, ih-nur-] / ɪnˈɜr ʃə, ɪˈnɜr- /
NOUN
disinclination to move; lifelessness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apathy laziness paralysis passivity sluggishness
STRONG
deadness drowsiness dullness idleness immobility immobilization inactivity indolence languor lassitude lethargy listlessness oscitancy sloth stillness stupor torpidity torpor unresponsiveness
Antonyms
STRONG
action busyness liveliness
WEAK
activity animation life moving

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 major human spaceflight programs are supertankers, with tremendous inertia.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

At everyday scales, motion is shaped by forces such as gravity and inertia, which depend on an object's volume.

From Science Daily • Jan. 6, 2026

McKinnon didn’t stay at his job out of inertia.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 22, 2025

He led with clarity and conviction, refusing to let bureaucratic inertia define the limits of what was possible.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

What now of the passengers inside, still moving forward with tremendous inertia?

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.