- having no inherent power of action, motion, or resistance (opposed to active): inert matter.
- having little or no ability to react, as nitrogen that occurs uncombined in the atmosphere.
- having no pharmacological action, as the excipient of a pill.
- inactive or sluggish by habit or nature.
- having no inherent ability to move or to resist motion
- inactive, lazy, or sluggish
- having only a limited ability to react chemically; unreactive
