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Inactive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inactive

[ɪnˈæktɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

state of being

Not engaging in physical or mental activity; not functioning or operating.

Synonyms

dormant, idle, motionless, passive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inactive

Use this word to describe someone or something not engaged in any activity. It can apply to people, devices, or states.

  • He has been inactive in sports since his injury.
  • The volcano has been inactive for several centuries.
idle

This word implies a state of rest without any immediate intention to work or be active. It often carries a negative connotation when referring to people.

  • He spent the afternoon idle, doing nothing productive.
  • After the project's completion, the machines were left idle.
dormant

Often used in scientific or natural settings to describe something that is temporarily inactive, but can become active again.

  • The seeds will remain dormant until the spring.
  • The volcano is currently dormant, but could erupt again.
passive

Used to describe someone or something that does not take action or is not actively involved. Often has a negative connotation when describing people's behavior.

  • He remained passive during the entire discussion, not contributing at all.
  • The plant has passive solar heating, which requires little energy input.
motionless

Best used when describing something or someone that is not moving. It focuses on the lack of physical movement.

  • She stood motionless, afraid to make a sound.
  • The lake was still and motionless in the early morning.

Examples of usage

  • He has been inactive since he retired.
  • The inactive volcano hasn't erupted in centuries.
  • Her inactive lifestyle led to weight gain.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A member of the reserve force who is not on active duty.

Synonyms

non-active duty member, reservist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inactive

This can describe someone or something not currently engaging in activity or work. It is commonly used in general contexts.

  • The club has been inactive for months.
  • His membership in the gym is now inactive.
reservist

Specific to military contexts, a reservist is someone who is part of a reserve force and can be called to active duty if needed.

  • The reservist was called to serve during the emergency.
  • Many military reservists have civilian jobs.
non-active duty member

Commonly used in military contexts to refer to a person who is part of the armed forces but not currently serving active duty.

  • He is a non-active duty member and only gets called for training.
  • As a non-active duty member, she spends most of her time at home.

Examples of usage

  • He was called up from the inactive reserves for deployment.
  • The inactive soldiers were on standby for emergencies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, 'inactive' can describe proteins that are not currently performing their function, often due to changes in environment or conditions.
  • Many medications can be described as 'inactive' if they don't produce a therapeutic effect when not taken as prescribed.
  • Sedentary behavior, often labeled as inactive, can lead to health risks such as obesity and heart disease.

Society

  • Inactive membership in various organizations can result in a loss of benefits and networking opportunities.
  • Socially, individuals labeled as inactive may experience feelings of isolation or disengagement from community activities.
  • The term is also used to describe voters who do not participate in elections, impacting democratic engagement.

Technology

  • An inactive user on a digital platform may lead to decreased interaction and ultimately reduced content visibility for the platform.
  • Computers can enter an inactive state when not in use, often to save energy or extend component life.
  • Inactive applications on smartphones stay installed but do not consume resources until returned to use.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters who are depicted as inactive often experience a turning point that ignites their journey or quest.
  • Inactive roles in sports can highlight the importance of teamwork, where someone may not participate directly but supports others.
  • Social media narratives often contrast active lifestyles with inactive ones, promoting a constant push for engagement and productivity.

Origin of 'inactive'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'inactivus,' meaning 'not acting,' combining 'in-' (not) with 'actus' (act).
  • The prefix 'in-' often negates the meaning of the word it attaches to, emphasizing the absence of action.
  • First recorded use in the English language dates back to the mid-19th century.

The word 'inactive' originated from the Latin word 'inactivus', which means 'not working'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Over time, 'inactive' has been used to describe a lack of activity or movement in various contexts, from physical to military. The concept of being inactive has been associated with rest, dormancy, or non-participation.

See also: activewear, activism, activist, inactively, proactive.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,321 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.