inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.
on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts
idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.
workers were idle in the fields
inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.
inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry
passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.
passive resistance
supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.
a supine willingness to play the fool
Example Sentences
Inactive people suffer higher rates of heart disease. it's easiest to catch snakes early in the morning, while they're still cold and inactive
Recent Examples on the WebFlowers, listed as an outside linebacker but practicing with the defensive line this past week, is inactive after signing with Miami following the preseason. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2022 Starting tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins were also inactive. Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 Lance and San Francisco played without star tight end George Kittle, who was inactive because of a groin injury.BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2022 For the Lions, Julian Okwara and Ifeatu Melifonwu are inactive after missing most of training camp with injuries, and backup offensive guard Tommy Kraemer was ruled out Friday with a back injury. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2022 Kittle is inactive due to a groin injury that’s sidelined him since he was hurt in Monday’s practice. Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Sep. 2022 The vast majority of these 20 players will have roles on game day and won’t be inactive or forced into the background by veterans. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The Facebook page for the group is currently inactive. Chuck Johnston, CNN, 20 Aug. 2022 Oladipo was inactive in three games between Miami and Indiana last season and did not play in Miami's game against Indiana in 2021. Matthew Vantryon, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Aug. 2022 See More