inert

[ in-urt, ih-nurt ]

adjective

1. having no inherent power of action, motion, or resistance ( active ):

   inert matter.

   Synonyms: motionless, lifeless, unmoving, immobile

2. Chemistry. having little or no ability to react, as nitrogen that occurs uncombined in the atmosphere.
3. Pharmacology. having no pharmacological action, as the excipient of a pill.
4. inactive or sluggish by habit or nature.

inert

/ ɪnˈɜːt /

adjective

1. having no inherent ability to move or to resist motion
2. inactive, lazy, or sluggish
3. having only a limited ability to react chemically; unreactive

inert

/ ĭn-ûrt′ /

1. Not chemically reactive.

Derived Forms

• inˈertly, adverb
• inˈertness, noun

Other Words From

• in·ertly adverb
• in·ertness noun
• nonin·ert adjective
• nonin·ertly adverb
• nonin·ertness noun
• unin·ert adjective
• unin·ertly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inert¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin inert- (stem of iners ) “unskillful,” equivalent to in- in- ³ + -ert-, combining form of art- (stem of ars ) “skill”; art ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of inert¹

C17: from Latin iners unskilled, from in- ¹+ ars skill; see art ¹

Synonym Study

See inactive.

Example Sentences

The other chromosome rolls up into a mostly inert ball—a phenomenon called X inactivation.

From Science Magazine

These include high initial investment and an inert approach to innovation.

From Science Daily

The ligand or tag must be inert and have no negative impact on the function of the cells or create any reaction that could cause side effects.

From Science Daily

These bonds tend to be very chemically inert, which makes it difficult for biological systems to interact with them — but also makes them uniquely able to repel oil, water and stains.

From Salon

“It shows these carbon-fluorine bonds are not as inert as we thought.”

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• dormant
• immobile
• impotent
• inactive
• listless
• motionless
• paralyzed
• passive
• powerless