inert

• Décrit quelque chose qui ne bouge pas ou qui n'a pas la capacité de bouger ; dépourvu de capacité d'agir ou de réagir.

Describes something that is not moving or has no power to move; lacking the ability to act or react.

1. Lacking ability to moveB2formal

   Unable to move or act; motionless.

   inerte (incapable de mouvement)

   • The patient lay inert on the hospital bed.
   • The snake appeared inert after the cold night.
   • The engine was inert, refusing to start.

   Synonymesimmobileinactivelifelessmotionlessstaticstationarystillunmoving

   Antonymesactiveanimatedlivelymobilemoving

2. Chemically inactiveC1formalscientific

   Not reacting chemically with other substances.

   Chimiquement inerte

   • Noble gases are chemically inert under normal conditions.
   • The inert gas was used to prevent oxidation in the experiment.
   • Helium is an inert element used in balloons.

   Synonymesinactiveunreactive

   Antonymesactivereactive

3. Lacking energy or enthusiasmB2formal

   Showing no interest, energy, or willingness to act.

   inerte (au sens figuré)

   • The committee remained inert, failing to address the issue.
   • His inert response to the crisis frustrated everyone.
   • She felt inert and unmotivated after the long illness.

   Synonymesapatheticindolentlethargiclistlesspassivesluggishtorpid

   Antonymesactiveanimateddynamicenergeticenthusiasticlivelyspiritedvigorous