Word
unresponsive
Phoneticsun·re·spon·sive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɹiˈspɑnsɪv/
UK/ˌʌnɹɪspˈɒnsɪv/
Definition
adj. not reacting to something or someone. You use this when a person, a machine, or a system does not answer or move when it should.
adj. not reacting to stimuli, commands, or communication. Often used to describe electronic devices, software, or individuals who fail to acknowledge a request.
Examples
“The computer is unresponsive and won't open any files.”
“After sending several emails, I realized the server was unresponsive and needed to be restarted.”
“The patient remained unresponsive to verbal stimuli for several minutes, prompting the medical team to administer a mild sedative to assess his level of consciousness.”
Examples
simple
“The computer is unresponsive and won't open any files.”
contextual
“After sending several emails, I realized the server was unresponsive and needed to be restarted.”
complex
“The patient remained unresponsive to verbal stimuli for several minutes, prompting the medical team to administer a mild sedative to assess his level of consciousness.”
Real-World Examples
“Emergency services said a man was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon.” “The person discovered inside the home was found unresponsive.” - 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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