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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Inert \In*ert"\, a. [L. iners, inertis, unskilled, idle; pref.
in- ars art: cf. F. inerte. See {Art}.]
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1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active
resistance to motion; as, matter is inert.
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2. Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish;
dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless.
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The inert and desponding party of the court.
--Macaulay.
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It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and
at length utterly inert. --I. Taylor.
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3. Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting
other substances when brought in contact with them;
powerless for an expected or desired effect; as, the noble
gases are chemically inert.

Syn: Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful;
lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless;
insensible.

Usage: {Inert}, {Inactive}, {Sluggish}. A man may be inactive
from mere lack of stimulus to effort; but one who is
inert has something in his constitution or his habits
which operates like a weight holding him back from
exertion. Sluggish is still stronger, implying some
defect of temperament which directly impedes action.
Inert and inactive are negative, sluggish is positive.
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Even the favored isles . . .
Can boast but little virtue; and, inert
Through plenty, lose in morals what they gain
In manners -- victims of luxurious ease.
--Cowper.
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Doomed to lose four months in inactive
obscurity. --Johnson.
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Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin,
Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride. --Spenser.
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