Inactively: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe a state of not being active, specifically in a situation where action or movement is expected. It can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.

• The device remained inactively on the table.
• He sat inactively, watching the world go by.

Appropriate for describing someone or something doing nothing, often implying a lack of purpose or laziness. This word often has a slightly negative connotation.

• She spent her afternoon idly scrolling through her phone.
• The workers stood idly by, waiting for instructions.

Used to describe a passive state, where someone is not taking an active or controlling role. This often implies a lack of initiative or reaction.

• He listened passively, not engaging in the conversation.
• She accepted the news passively, showing no emotion.

Ideal for describing slow movement or action, often suggesting tiredness, laziness, or inefficiency. It has a negative connotation.

• The car moved sluggishly through the traffic.
• He got up sluggishly, clearly not ready to start the day.

In a way that doesn't involve any action or movement; often used to describe a state of rest or minimal activity.

• He sat inactively on the couch, not wanting to do anything
• The project remained inactive for months

In a manner where one allows things to happen without active response or resistance; often carries a connotation of lack of initiative or control.

• She listened passively as the decisions were made without her input
• He accepted the criticism passively, without defending himself

In a way that does not produce good results or achieve significant outcomes; usually used when describing work or effort that yields little to no value.

• They spent the afternoon unproductively, achieving very little on their project
• The meeting dragged on unproductively, with no decisions being made