# unresponsive

/ˌənɹiˈspɑnsɪv/ (US) · /ˌʌnɹɪspˈɒnsɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unresponsive
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.