Word
inactivity
Phoneticsin·ac·tiv·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnækˈtɪvɪti/
UK/ɪnæktˈɪvɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a state of not doing anything or not being active. You use this to describe people who are not moving or machines that are not working.
n. the state of being inactive or the lack of physical or functional movement. Often carries a negative connotation when referring to health or economic stagnation.
Examples
“Long periods of inactivity can be bad for your health.”
“The bank closed the account after two years of inactivity to prevent potential fraud.”
“Medical professionals warn that sedentary lifestyles and prolonged physical inactivity significantly increase the risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.”
Examples
simple
“Long periods of inactivity can be bad for your health.”
contextual
“The bank closed the account after two years of inactivity to prevent potential fraud.”
complex
“Medical professionals warn that sedentary lifestyles and prolonged physical inactivity significantly increase the risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.”
Usage
Frequently paired with the preposition 'of' or used as a subject in medical and technical contexts.
Real-World Examples
“His latest report said health-related economic inactivity was costing Britain around £210bn a year in benefit payments and lost output.” “This type of fat buildup can be encouraged by high-fat diets, physical inactivity, and aging.” Etymology
From in- + activity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inactivity