inert
AdjectiveWordNet 3.0
Adjective (3)
- unable to move or resist motion
- having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive“inert matter”“an indifferent chemical in a reaction”Synonyms: indifferentneutral
- slow and apathetic“she was fat and inert”“a sluggish worker”“a mind grown torpid in old age”Synonyms: sluggishsoggytorpid
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active resistance to motion; as, matter is inert. [1913 Webster]
2.Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish; dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless. [1913 Webster]
The inert and desponding party of the court.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and at length utterly inert.— I. Taylor.[1913 Webster]
3.Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting other substances when brought in contact with them; powerless for an expected or desired effect; as, the noble gases are chemically inert.
Syn: Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful; lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless; insensible.
Usage: Inert, Inactive, Sluggish. A man may be inactive from mere lack of stimulus to effort; but one who is inert has something in his constitution or his habits which operates like a weight holding him back from exertion. Sluggish is still stronger, implying some defect of temperament which directly impedes action. Inert and inactive are negative, sluggish is positive. [1913 Webster]
Even the favored isles . . . Can boast but little virtue; and, inert Through plenty, lose in morals what they gain In manners— victims of luxurious ease. --Cowper.[1913 Webster]
Doomed to lose four months in inactive obscurity.— Johnson.[1913 Webster]
Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin, Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]