Nonreactive: meaning, definitions and examples

Description often used in scientific contexts, usually referring to substances that do not undergo chemical reactions under specific conditions.

• The container is made of nonreactive material, ideal for storing acids.
• Certain nonreactive gases are used in insulating windows.

Often used in scientific or medical contexts to describe substances that do not react chemically. It can also refer to a lack of movement or energy, sometimes implying laziness.

• Helium is an inert gas commonly used in balloons.
• The professor referred to the old machinery as inert and nonfunctional.

Similar to 'nonreactive,' it is often used in scientific contexts to describe substances that do not react with other chemicals.

• Noble gases are generally unreactive due to their full valence shells.
• The scientist needed an unreactive substance to act as a control in the experiment.

Used to describe someone or something that is not active or not currently participating in any activity. It has a broad range of uses from describing physical inactivity to a lack of function.

• After his injury, he remained inactive for several months.
• The volcano has been inactive for over a century.

This word is used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry or medicine, to describe substances or systems that do not react to stimuli.

• The new coating on the metal is nonreactive, making it resistant to corrosion.
• The patient's response to the allergen was nonreactive, indicating no allergic reaction.

This word is commonly used in various contexts to indicate something that is undesirable or lacking in a positive quality. It has a negative connotation.

• His negative attitude made it difficult to work with him.
• The test results came back negative for any signs of infection.

Similar to 'nonresponsive', this word is used when describing someone or something that fails to respond, often in a medical or technical setting. It often has a more serious or urgent implication.

• The driver was unresponsive following the accident, prompting immediate medical attention.
• The customer service team was unresponsive to our complaints, which was very frustrating.

Often used in medical or technical contexts to describe someone or something that does not respond to stimuli or commands.

• The patient remained nonresponsive despite the doctor's efforts.
• The software was nonresponsive after the latest update.