English · Word Candidate

inactive

/ɪnˈæktɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: inactives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not active, temporarily or permanently.

Adjective

Examples

The volcano is inactive, but is only dormant.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Not engaging in physical activity.

Adjective

Examples

[…] exercise in general will lead to dramatic improvements in comparison with an inactive lifestyle.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person who does not take action.

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “inactive” mean?

Not active, temporarily or permanently.

Is “inactive” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.