inactive

adjective

in·​ac·​tive (ˌ)i-ˈnak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: such as
a(1)
b(1)
: being out of use
(2)
: relating to or being members of the armed forces who are not performing or available for military duties
(3)
of a disease : quiescent
c(1)
: chemically inert
(2)
: optically neutral in polarized light
d
: biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (such as infectivity or antigenicity)
inactively adverb
inactivity noun
Choose the Right Synonym for inactive

inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity.

inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples of inactive in a Sentence

Inactive people suffer higher rates of heart disease. it's easiest to catch snakes early in the morning, while they're still cold and inactive
Recent Examples on the Web This will bring up the list of active and inactive subscriptions on your device that were either purchased from Apple or with an app from the App Store. To cancel a subscription on your iPhone: Tap on the active subscription. USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Pacers star Haliburton out, Suns' Goodwin in Indiana's emergent star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) has been downgraded to inactive against Phoenix, per Pacers coach Rick Carlisle in his pregame media session. Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 Backup edge rusher Charles Harris was inactive for last week's playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 19 Jan. 2024 So, the best approach appears to be watchful, but inactive, waiting until the seasonal upswing arrives. John S. Tobey, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 While the Belair-Edison site has been inactive, MONSE has partnered with Living Classrooms Foundation and its Operation Respond, to conduct a neighborhood stabilization response and maintain a presence in the Northeast Baltimore community, Mavronis said. Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 After The Republic's account, Gilbert police reopened four inactive investigations. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 Toney and Ross were inactive for last weekend’s Wild Card-round victory over the Miami Dolphins. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2024 Marco Di Marco, AP An areal view of the lava field with inactive southern fissure next to the town of Grindavik, Iceland, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Di'amond Moore, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inactive was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near inactive

Cite this Entry

“Inactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inactive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: as
a
: slow to move or act : sluggish
b
: being out of use or activity
an inactive mine
an inactive volcano
c
: inert
argon is chemically inactive
inactively adverb

Medical Definition

inactive

adjective
in·​ac·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce inactive (audio)
: not active: as
a
: marked by deliberate or enforced absence of activity or effort
forced by illness to lead an inactive life
b
of a disease : not progressing or fulminant : quiescent
c(1)
: chemically inert
inactive charcoal
(2)
: not exhibiting optical activity in polarized light
d
: biologically inert especially because of the loss of some quality (as infectivity or antigenicity)
inactivity noun
plural inactivities

More from Merriam-Webster on inactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!