inactive

inactive

See also: inactivé

English

Etymology

    From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.

    Pronunciation

    • IPA(key): /ɪnˈæktɪv/
    • Audio (UK):(file)
    • Rhymes: -æktɪv

    Adjective

    inactive (comparative more inactive, superlative most inactive)

    1. Not active, temporarily or permanently.
      The volcano is inactive, but is only dormant.
      Inactive user accounts may be deleted after 90 days.
    2. Not engaging in physical activity.
      • 2021, Suzanne Byrd, Practical Tips on Supporting Boys with ADHD:
        [] exercise in general will lead to dramatic improvements in comparison with an inactive lifestyle.
    3. Not functioning or operating; broken down
      The photocopier is inactive pending repair.
    4. Retired from duty or service.
      Admiral Jones is now on the inactive list.
    5. (chemistry) Relatively inert.
      Aluminium is inactive towards water.
    6. (physics) Showing no optical activity in polarized light.
      Synthetic glycine is optically inactive as it contains equal amounts of the d- and l- form.

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

    • (antonym(s) of not active): active

    Derived terms

    Translations

    Noun

    inactive (plural inactives)

    1. A person who does not take action.
      • 2016, Alan Marsh, Political Action in Europe and the USA, page 47:
        Typically inactives are poorly educated older women. Their lack of education is overwhelmingly the key factor in assigning the inactives to a life devoid of political activity of any sort.

    Anagrams

    French

    Verb

    inactive

    1. inflection of inactiver:
      1. first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
      2. second-person singular imperative

    Adjective

    inactive

    1. feminine singular of inactif

    Latin

    Adjective

    ināctīve

    1. vocative masculine singular of ināctīvus

    Portuguese

    Verb

    inactive

    1. inflection of inactivar:
      1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
      2. third-person singular imperative

    Spanish

    Verb

    inactive

    1. inflection of inactivar:
      1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
      2. third-person singular imperative