inert

adjective in·ert \ i-ˈnərt \

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: inert in a Sentence

Definition of inert

1 : lacking the power to move

2 : very slow to move or act : sluggish

3 : deficient in active properties; especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action

—

inert

noun

—

inertly

adverb

—

inertness

noun

See inert defined for English-language learners

See inert defined for kids

Examples of inert in a Sentence

an inert and lifeless body
How does he propose to stimulate the inert economy and create jobs?

Recent Examples of inert from the Web

That data is not just stashed away as inert ones and zeroes.

— sandra upson, WIRED, "Westworld Recap, Season 2 Episode 10: What Is Real?," 25 June 2018
But the bounty of talent counts for little in a tedious, inert piece that awkwardly shoehorns numerous dance interludes into a thin storyline.

— frank scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Beast in the Jungle': Theater Review," 24 May 2018
This jabbed a finger at the most inert bit: a square in which the last original statue was installed five centuries earlier.

— The Economist, "When Jeff Koons met Michelangelo," 19 Apr. 2018
But the heavy use of spy tropes only emphasizes how inert and uninvolving the tale is.

— New York Times, "Review: ‘Radio Delirio’ Focuses on a Forgettable Man," 17 June 2018
Yet shares of other device stocks were mostly inert in Monday trading, which could present an opportunity for investors.

— charley grant, WSJ, "Stryker Offer May Trigger Billions in Deal Making," 11 June 2018
The charcoal which is left is very inert and easily preserved.

— anna diamond, Smithsonian, "What Is the Future of Fire?," 25 May 2018
The company had been working on a breakthrough aluminum production technology called inert anode smelting since 2009.

— elizabeth weise, USA TODAY, "Apple tries to reduce emissions from making iPhones with green aluminum venture," 10 May 2018
And forget inert hand grenades or replicas that are meant to be amusing; the TSA does not find these funny.

— Fox News, "6 things to know the next time you go through airport security," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inert

Latin inert-, iners unskilled, idle, from in- + art-, ars skill — more at arm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1647

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

inert Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of inert

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.