Inertia: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilize when describing resistance to change or lack of progress in a situation, particularly in physics or habitual behavior.

• His inertia prevented the project from moving forward.
• Due to bureaucratic inertia, the policy remained unchanged for years.

Describes periods of no activity or movement, typically in physical or business contexts.

• Prolonged inactivity can lead to health issues.
• The project suffered from months of inactivity.

Best used when focusing on the absence of action or decisions, especially in situations requiring immediate attention.

• The inaction of the authorities led to severe consequences during the crisis.
• His inaction during the emergency situation was heavily criticized.

Appropriate for situations where there is a significant lack of interest or enthusiasm, often carrying a negative connotation.

• The student's apathy towards his studies was evident in his grades.
• Political apathy among the youth is a growing concern.

Used to describe a state of tiredness or lack of energy, often negatively associated with health or motivation.

• Her lethargy made it difficult for her to get out of bed in the morning.
• The team showed signs of lethargy after the intense match.

Ideal for describing slow movement or lack of energy, often applied to physical or economic scenarios.

• Sluggishness in the economy can lead to a recession.
• He moved with such sluggishness that it seemed like he was in slow motion.

This word is often used in a scientific or technical context to describe resistance to change in motion or state. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is a lack of progress or change.

• The project suffered from inertia due to a lack of clear leadership.
• In physics, inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Passivity refers to a state of being inactive or submissive, especially when one should be taking action. It generally implies a lack of initiative and can have a neutral to negative connotation depending on the situation.

• Her passivity in the face of injustice was surprising to everyone.
• The passivity of the audience made the event seem less engaging.

Indolence refers to habitual laziness and avoidance of activity or exertion. It has a negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's character or behavior.

• His indolence was the main reason why the garden was always overgrown with weeds.
• The company's failure was partly due to the indolence of its employees.

Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins in Christian teachings and refers to extreme laziness or unwillingness to do anything productive. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in a moral or ethical context.

• His sloth prevented him from achieving anything in his life.
• Sloth is often considered a significant barrier to personal growth and achievement.