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inactive

adj. · n.
US //ˌɪˈnæktɪv// UK //ɪnˈæktɪv// in·ac·tive
  1. 1 not working or moving (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not doing anything or not working at the moment.

    not currently functioning, operating, or engaged in activity.

    Example

    The volcano has been inactive for over a hundred years.

    Example

    The account was flagged as inactive after the user failed to log in for six consecutive months.
  2. 2 not physically active (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not doing much exercise or physical work.

    characterised by a lack of physical exertion or exercise.

    Example

    If you are inactive for too long, you might start to feel stiff.

    Example

    Medical professionals warn that an inactive lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing chronic cardiovascular conditions.
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  1. 3 chemically inert (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    not causing a chemical reaction.

    exhibiting little or no chemical reactivity under specified conditions.

    Example

    The gas is inactive and does not react with other chemicals.

    Example

    The catalyst remains inactive until the temperature of the chamber reaches four hundred degrees Celsius.
  2. 4 a person who does nothing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    someone who does not take part in an activity or take action.

    a person who remains passive or fails to take necessary action during an event.

    Example

    The leader criticised the inactives in the group for not helping with the project.

    Example

    The report distinguished between those who protested and the inactives who merely watched from the sidelines.
    • idler
    • layabout
Origin

From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.

Word family

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