inert

adjective

in·​ert i-ˈnərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
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
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 All a full scan could find beyond that is static malware that's inert and not doing any immediate harm. PCMAG, 13 Sep. 2023 Cover potting soil in an inch-thick layer of small round pebbles or marbles or other inert material. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023 It can be kept inert in glass for decades or longer. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2023 The great Washington Monument that soars nearby, not to mention the World War II Memorial down the way, seem almost inert compared with the life and energy of this little playground. Blake Gopnik, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2023 This basically means that the energy-transporting processes that make life possible likely predated life itself, which provides a bridge between the inert materials of early Earth and the living organisms that evolved from that initially lifeless landscape. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 16 Aug. 2023 Out came inert and harmless scrap metal, falling off a conveyor belt into an ordinary brown dumpster with a resounding clank. John Ismay, New York Times, 6 July 2023 Instead, one of the best ways to practice is by using inert cans of bear spray. Cameron Evans, Outdoor Life, 6 July 2023 They were arrested there after allegedly planting bombs that were, in fact, packed with inert explosives supplied by the FBI. Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz, BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inert was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near inert

Cite this Entry

“Inert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inert. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

inert

adjective
in·​ert in-ˈərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
: unable or slow to move, act, or react
inert ingredients in cough medicine
inert gas
inertly adverb
inertness noun

Medical Definition

inert

adjective
in·​ert in-ˈərt How to pronounce inert (audio)
1
: lacking the power to move
2
: deficient in active properties
especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
an inert drug
inertness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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