Unreactive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in scientific or chemical contexts to describe substances that do not readily engage in reactions with other substances.

• The gas is largely unreactive under standard conditions.
• These elements are generally unreactive in water.

Typically used in both scientific contexts to describe substances that do not participate in chemical reactions and in everyday language to describe people or things that are lifeless or unresponsive.

• Helium is an inert gas.
• He lay inert on the couch, not moving a muscle.

Often used in medical or scientific contexts to indicate something does not show a response or reaction, especially in testing scenarios.

• The test results were nonreactive for the virus.
• Nonreactive materials are used to avoid contamination.

Commonly used to describe people, animals, or things that are not engaging in any activity or action.

• The volcano has been inactive for centuries.
• She's been very inactive since her surgery.