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Definitions

inactive

[in-ak-tiv] / ɪnˈæk tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
not engaged in action; inert, lazy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dormant dull idle immobile inoperative jobless passive sedentary sluggish static unemployed unused
WEAK
abeyant asleep blah dead disengaged do-nothing down draggy in holding pattern indolent latent lax lethargic limp low-key mothballed motionless on hold ossified out of action out of commission out of service out of work quiescent quiet slack sleepy slothful slow somnolent stable still torpid unoccupied
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active employed energetic lively mobile moving used
WEAK
busy involved working

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.

See Examples For:

Receivers Tutu Atwell and rookie CJ Daniels were inactive against the 49ers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

But when the imaging center called back, my coverage was still showing as inactive.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 12, 2026

One possibility is that they create a physical or biological barrier that prevents cancer-killing immune cells or treatments from reaching the inactive cells effectively.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026

Zoo keepers first became concerned when the snake began eating less and spending more time inactive.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Executive Committee believed that the Indian Congress had become inactive of late.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing inactive

Physical Education - Introductory

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Just Do It: Act

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Physical Education - Middle School and High School

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