inert — lacking the ability or strength to move or act; chemically inactive
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: lacking the ability or strength to move or act; chemically inactive
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈnɜːrt/
Example Sentences
- My lazy cat becomes completely inert after eating tuna, like a furry doorstop.
- The chemistry student accidentally mixed reactive chemicals with inert gases.
- During Monday morning meetings, half the employees sit there looking completely inert.
inert
ADJECTIVE[/ɪˈnɜːrt/]
lacking the ability or strength to move or act; chemically inactive

The old machine sat inert in the corner, gathering dust for years.

From inert to alert, the expert springs to action!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'iners' meaning 'without skill' or 'idle'. Originally described someone lacking artistic or technical abilities, but evolved to mean 'inactive' or 'motionless'.
Breakdown
in- (without/not) + ars/artis (skill/art) → lacking ability to act or move
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My lazy cat becomes completely inert after eating tuna, like a furry doorstop.”
“The chemistry student accidentally mixed reactive chemicals with inert gases.”
“During Monday morning meetings, half the employees sit there looking completely inert.”
“Noble gases are chemically inert under normal conditions.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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