inert

/ɪˈnʌrt/

/ɪnˈʌt/

Other forms: inertly

Something that's unable to move or moving without much energy can be described as inert. Wind up in a body cast and you’ll find yourself not only itchy, but totally inert.

When motion is restricted or sluggish, or when something or someone appears lifeless, the adjective to use is inert. A dog who's playing dead is inert, as is a really boring movie. Or for those of you paying attention in chemistry class, you may have heard of inert gases — those elements that won't react with other elements or form chemical compounds.

Definitions of inert

1. adjective

   unable to move or resist motion
   synonyms:

   nonmoving, unmoving

   not in motion
2. adjective

   slow and apathetic
   synonyms: sluggish, soggy, torpid

   inactive

   not active physically or mentally
3. adjective

   having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive
   “inert matter”

   synonyms: indifferent, neutral

   unreactive

   (chemistry) not reacting chemically