Inactive Meaning
/ɪnˈæktɪv/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjNot active, temporarily or permanently.
adjNot engaging in physical activity.
Sentence Examples
The rain is radiologically inactive this time.
The inactive child is far more inclined to live in a world of fantasy.
This volcano has been inactive for hundreds of years.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The volcano has not erupted for hundreds of years, so it is currently ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The volcano has been ____ for hundreds of years, but scientists still monitor it very closely.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Italic *n̥- Latin in- Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus ▲ Ancient Greek ἐνεργητῐκός (energētĭkós)sl. Latin āctīvus Latin ināctīvuslbor. French inactifder. English inactive From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] exercise in general will lead to dramatic improvements in comparison with an inactive lifestyle."
— 2021, Suzanne Byrd, Practical Tips on Supporting Boys with ADHD:
"Typically inactives are poorly educated older women. Their lack of education is overwhelmingly the key factor in assigning the inactives to a life devoid of political activity of any sort."
— 2016, Alan Marsh, Political Action in Europe and the USA, page 47:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The volcano has not erupted for hundreds of years, so it is currently ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The volcano has been ____ for hundreds of years, but scientists still monitor it very closely.