Word
inactive
Phoneticsin·ac·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈnæktɪv/
UK/ɪnˈæktɪv/
Definitions
01not working or moving
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not doing anything or not working at the moment.
adj. not currently functioning, operating, or engaged in activity.
“The volcano has been inactive for over a hundred years.”
“The account was flagged as inactive after the user failed to log in for six consecutive months.”
02not physically active
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not doing much exercise or physical work.
adj. characterised by a lack of physical exertion or exercise.
“If you are inactive for too long, you might start to feel stiff.”
“Medical professionals warn that an inactive lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing chronic cardiovascular conditions.”
03chemically inert
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. not causing a chemical reaction.
adj. exhibiting little or no chemical reactivity under specified conditions.
“The gas is inactive and does not react with other chemicals.”
“The catalyst remains inactive until the temperature of the chamber reaches four hundred degrees Celsius.”
Antonyms
04a person who does nothing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal
n. someone who does not take part in an activity or take action.
n. a person who remains passive or fails to take necessary action during an event.
“The leader criticised the inactives in the group for not helping with the project.”
“The report distinguished between those who protested and the inactives who merely watched from the sidelines.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Understanding inactive black holes is important because most known black holes are dormant, including the one at the center of the Milky Way.” “When the light is turned off and the material cools, the lysozyme reverts to its inactive form.” Etymology
From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inactive