inactive
UK: ɪnˈæktɪv | US: ɪnˈæktɪv
adj. not active or functioning
adj. lacking energy or movement
adj. (chemistry) not reacting chemically
inactive = in<not> + active<acting>
- in (prefix): From Latin in-, meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- active: From Latin activus (acting, energetic), derived from actus (a doing, act).
Etymology Origin:
The word inactive combines the negative prefix in- with active, creating a term that literally means "not active." The prefix in- has been used in English since the Middle English period to form negatives, while active entered English via Old French from Latin activus. The pairing reflects a straightforward logical negation, commonly seen in scientific, everyday, and technical contexts to describe absence of action or reactivity.
The volcano has been inactive for centuries.
She felt inactive after the long flight.
The chemical compound remains inactive at room temperature.
His membership was marked as inactive due to non-payment.
The machine’s inactive mode saves energy.