English Reference
Adjective

unresponsive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌənɹiˈspɑnsɪv/ UK /ˌʌnɹɪspˈɒnsɪv/ un·re·spon·sive

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.


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.

Emergency services said a man was found "unresponsive" at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

The person discovered inside the home was found unresponsive.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated