Motionless: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe someone or something that is not moving at all, usually for a brief period. It can apply to both living beings and inanimate objects.

• The cat lay motionless on the windowsill
• He stood motionless, waiting for his turn

Still is commonly used to describe calmness or lack of movement in a gentle or peaceful manner. It can also convey serenity.

• The lake was still and reflected the mountains perfectly
• She sat still, listening to the sounds of the forest

Immobile typically refers to an inability to move, whether due to injury, incapacity, or restriction. It often conveys a stronger sense of being unable to move.

• The car was immobile due to a flat tire
• After the accident, she was immobile and needed assistance

This word is best used to describe something that is not moving but could potentially move. It is often used in a more formal or technical sense.

• The car remained stationary at the traffic light
• Stationary machinery must be maintained regularly

Used to describe something that is completely without movement, often in a dramatic or noticeable way.

• The deer stood motionless, trying to avoid the hunter's gaze
• He remained motionless as the storm raged outside

Best used to describe a peaceful or calm lack of movement, often with a positive or serene connotation.

• The stillness of the morning was interrupted by the sound of birds chirping
• Meditation helps me find a sense of stillness amid chaos

Typically used in more formal or medical contexts to describe the state of being unable to move, intentionally or due to a condition.

• Her immobility after the surgery was concerning to the doctors
• They studied the effects of immobility on elderly patients

A more technical or formal term often used in scientific, engineering, or statistical contexts to describe the state of being stationary or not changing position.

• The device's stationarity was crucial for the accuracy of the measurements
• Researchers considered the stationarity of the data during analysis