passivity

[pa-siv-i-tee]

noun

1. Also passiveness the state or condition of being passive.

2. chemical inactivity, especially the resistance to corrosion of certain metals when covered with a coherent oxide layer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of passivity¹

First recorded in 1650–60; passive + -ity

Example Sentences

I’m willing to blame some of that passivity on his head injury, but it’s hard to care about a character who only has a personality for three minutes.

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Today, Phillips sees Bosnia, which he described as “preventable,” as a warning and symbol of what happens when the international community confuses neutrality with inaction and peacekeeping with passivity.

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What right would I have, in my circumstances, to lapse into the passivity of despair, having witnessed the ardour and courage with which such people have pursued their struggles?

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Rather than brainwashing us, the objective of the totalitarian is to bludgeon us into apathy, resignation and passivity.

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To Roberts, Pages’ slump had less to do with swing mechanics, and more with “passivity” in his offensive approach.

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Related Words

• composure 
• diligence 
• endurance 
• fortitude 
• grit 
• humility 
• moderation 
• perseverance 
• persistence 
• poise 
• restraint 
• self-control 
• tolerance