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inert

2 syllables
adjectivenounverb
Quick answer

As an adjective, inert means unable to move or act. As a noun, it means a substance that does not react chemically.

Meanings of inert

8 meanings

adjective

  1. Unable to move or act; inanimate.

  2. Sluggish or lethargic.

  3. In chemistry, not readily reacting with other elements or compounds.

  4. Having no therapeutic action.

  5. Having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive

    “inert matter”

    “an indifferent chemical in a reaction”

    Similar: indifferent, neutral

  6. Slow and apathetic

    “she was fat and inert”

    “a sluggish worker”

    “a mind grown torpid in old age”

    Similar: sluggish, soggy, torpid

noun

  1. chemistryA substance that does not react chemically.

verb

  1. To fill with an inert gas to reduce the risk of explosion.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

adjective: having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemic…
indifferentneutral
adjective: slow and apathetic
sluggishsoggytorpid

Words that rhyme with inert

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hurtshirtalertdirtdessertskirtflirtinsertsquirtdivertcurtexertassertavertrevertspurt

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Nearby words

inequalityinequitableinequityineradicableinerrancyinerrantinertiainertialinertnessinescapableinescapablyinessential