Dormant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is temporarily inactive but has the potential to become active again. This can refer to plants, volcanoes, or even ideas and talents.

• The volcano has been dormant for hundreds of years.
• During the winter, many trees go dormant.

Describes something that is not currently active. It is a general term that can refer to physical inactivity, or lack of activity in various contexts such as business, social life, or even biological processes.

• She has been inactive in the club for several months.
• His gym membership remains inactive.

Commonly used to describe a person or animal that is currently asleep. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is not currently active but can become so.

• The baby is sleeping peacefully.
• The restaurant was a sleeping giant in the industry.

Often used in a technical or scientific context to describe something that is in a state of quietness or inactivity. Generally implies a calm and controlled inactivity.

• The laboratory has been quiescent recently with no new experiments being conducted.
• The disease can remain quiescent for years before showing symptoms.

Used to describe something that is inactive or in a state of rest but has the potential to become active later.

• The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
• Her artistic talents lay dormant until she took a painting class.

Refers to something that is present but not yet visible or active. Often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.

• He has a latent infection that could flare up at any time.
• The project revealed latent talents among the team members.

Used to describe something that has not yet been developed, often in terms of land, regions, or ideas. It can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to regions or talents.

• The land here is largely undeveloped and perfect for conservation.
• His writing style is still somewhat undeveloped.

Describes something that has the ability to develop or become something in the future. Used in various contexts, from personal abilities to business opportunities.

• She has a lot of potential as a musician.
• The startup has great potential for growth.