Inactive

Origin

From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.

Full definition of inactive

Adjective

1. Not active, temporarily or permanentlyThe volcano is inactive, but is only dormant.
2. Not functioning or operating; broken downThe photocopier is inactive pending repair.
3. Retired from duty or serviceAdmiral Jones is now on the inactive list.
4. (chemistry) Relatively inertAluminium is inactive towards water.
5. (physics) Showing no optical activity in polarized lightSynthetic glycine is optically inactive as it contains equal amounts of the d- and l- form.

Derived terms

• inactively
• inactivity

Synonyms

• (not active) dull, dormant
• (not functioning or operating) idle

Antonyms

• (not active) active