inert

adjective

in·ert | \ i-ˈnərt

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

Other Words from inert Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inert

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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. passive resistance supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. a supine willingness to play the fool

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 on the Web

The mine was successfully detonated but the Navy noted a lack of a secondary explosion, indicating the mine was probably an inert training mine. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Sea Mine Sighted, Blown Up Off Washington Coast," 29 Aug. 2018 The interposer that the chips connect to isn't just inert silicon with some traces, as in EMIB, but a chip in its own right, with its own logic built in. — Peter Bright, Ars Technica, "Intel introduces Foveros: 3D die stacking for more than just memory," 12 Dec. 2018 The Navy said 29 inert training mines were placed in areas between Brownsville, Keyport and Bainbridge Island for the exercise. — Asia Fields, The Seattle Times, "Navy says mystery mine found off Bainbridge Island was from 2005 exercise," 31 Aug. 2018 Theoretical physicists keep coming up with more elaborate scenarios to make dark matter more interesting and less inert. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Neutrinos may decay invisibly, resolving problems in IceCube data," 24 Sep. 2018 The mine was determined to be inert when the primary explosion did not trigger a second, larger blast. — Asia Fields, The Seattle Times, "Navy says mystery mine found off Bainbridge Island was from 2005 exercise," 31 Aug. 2018 With no light, the process produced inert substances. — Jamie Seidel, Fox News, "This distant planet is one of the best places to search for alien life," 3 Aug. 2018 The floating modules are made of an inert growing medium called coconut coir, made from coconut husks, which is rolled into tubes bound together with plastic mesh and frames of stainless steel. — Patrick M. O'connell, chicagotribune.com, "A 'wild mile' on the Chicago River? It might be closer than you think," 22 June 2018 For Vincent Lindon, cast and bearded as the great man in this inert biopic from Jacques Doillon, that task entails gazing intently at statues, busts and naked models, looking gruff and serious, while the camera avoids close-ups of the detailing. — Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, "Review: ‘Rodin,’ a Biopic Heavy as Stone," 31 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.