- Inert
- Inert In*ert", a. [L. iners, inertis, unskilled, idle; pref.
in- + ars art: cf. F. inerte. See {Art}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active
resistance to motion; as, matter is inert.
[1913 Webster]
2. Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish; dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless. [1913 Webster]
The inert and desponding party of the court. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and at length utterly inert. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
3. Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting other substances when brought in contact with them; powerless for an expected or desired effect; as, the noble gases are chemically inert.
Syn: Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful; lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless; insensible.
Usage: {Inert}, {Inactive}, {Sluggish}. A man may be inactive from mere lack of stimulus to effort; but one who is inert has something in his constitution or his habits which operates like a weight holding him back from exertion. Sluggish is still stronger, implying some defect of temperament which directly impedes action. Inert and inactive are negative, sluggish is positive. [1913 Webster]
Even the favored isles . . . Can boast but little virtue; and, inert Through plenty, lose in morals what they gain In manners -- victims of luxurious ease. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]
Doomed to lose four months in inactive obscurity. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]
Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin, Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.