inert
gb/ɪnˈɚt/ us/ɪnˈɚt/
B2
English
tétlen, mozdulatlan, passzív, enervált, inert, inaktív
B2
1
tétlen
B2
mozdulatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is inert
After the power cut, the factory floor went inert and silent.
Az áramszünet után a gyárcsarnokban minden leállt, és csend lett.
The boat drifted with the current while the engine stayed inert.
A csónak sodródott az árral, miközben a motor tétlen maradt.
He lay inert on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Learner examples
The machine is inert now.
A gép most tétlen.
The animal stayed inert for a moment.
Az állat egy pillanatig mozdulatlan maradt.
Common mistake:
Inert usually means “inactive,” not “insert.”
Meaning
not moving or working
Collocations
lie inert
|remain inert
|sit inert
|stand inert
|an inert body
|an inert machine
|an inert volcano
|inert matter
|inert in the water
|inert in the corner
Synonyms
inactive (General word for not operating or not doing anything.)
|
motionless (Focuses on not moving physically.)
|
lifeless (Suggests no energy or animation; often about appearance.)
Antonyms
active (Doing things, working, or showing activity.)
|
moving (Physically in motion.)
Themes
daily_life
|work
|describing_things
Definition
Not moving, not working, or not active.
Not moving or doing anything; not functioning or showing activity.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] becomes/feels inert
After a week of bad sleep, she felt inert and unable to focus.
Egy hét rossz alvás után enerváltnak érezte magát, és nem tudott koncentrálni.
The team grew inert once the deadline was removed.
A csapat passzívvá vált, miután eltörölték a határidőt.
Without clear goals, the organization can become inert.
Learner examples
I feel inert today.
Ma enerváltnak érzem magam.
He was inert and didn’t help.
Passzív volt, és nem segített.
Common mistake:
Don’t use inert for “shy”; it’s about lack of action/energy, not social fear.
Meaning
lacking energy or initiative
Collocations
feel inert
|become inert
|stay inert
|an inert response
|inert habits
|an inert attitude
|inert behavior
|inert in meetings
|politically inert
|socially inert
Synonyms
lethargic (Emphasizes tiredness or sluggishness.)
|
apathetic (Emphasizes not caring or lacking interest.)
|
passive (Emphasizes not taking action, often letting others decide.)
Antonyms
energetic (Full of energy and activity.)
|
motivated (Driven to act or achieve something.)
|
proactive (Taking initiative rather than waiting.)
Themes
emotions
|people
|behavior
Definition
Not wanting to do anything; without energy.
Lacking energy, motivation, or willingness to act; passive and slow to respond.
C1
TECHNICAL
3
inert
C1
Usage pattern:
[substance] is inert
Gold is relatively inert, which is why it resists corrosion.
Az arany viszonylag inert, ezért ellenáll a korróziónak.
The container is lined with an inert material to prevent reactions.
A tartály belsejét inert anyaggal bélelték ki, hogy ne történjenek reakciók.
Argon is often used because it is inert in many processes.
Learner examples
This gas is inert.
Ez a gáz inert.
The metal is inert in water.
Ez a fém vízben inert.
Meaning
chemically nonreactive
Collocations
chemically inert
|largely inert
|relatively inert
|inert under these conditions
|an inert compound
|an inert gas
|inert to oxygen
|an inert atmosphere
|inert coating
|inert solvent
Synonyms
nonreactive (Direct term meaning it does not react much.)
|
stable (More general; suggests it doesn’t change easily.)
Antonyms
reactive (Readily takes part in chemical reactions.)
|
unstable (Likely to change or react over time.)
Themes
science
|chemistry
Definition
Not reacting easily with other chemicals.
Not likely to take part in chemical reactions under normal conditions.
C1
4
inaktív
B2
Usage pattern:
an inert [ingredient/substance/material]
The tablet contains the drug plus several inert ingredients to help it hold its shape.
A tabletta a hatóanyag mellett több inaktív összetevőt is tartalmaz, hogy megtartsa az alakját.
They used an inert carrier so the fragrance would release slowly.
Inaktív vivőanyagot használtak, hogy az illat lassan szabaduljon fel.
The cream’s base is mostly inert and unlikely to irritate skin.
Learner examples
This pill has inert ingredients too.
Ez a tabletta is tartalmaz inaktív összetevőket.
The base is inert.
Az alapanyag inaktív.
Meaning
not having an active effect
Collocations
inert ingredient
|inert filler
|inert substance
|inert carrier
|an inert base
|inert additive
|biologically inert
|pharmacologically inert
|inert excipient
|an inert placebo ingredient
Synonyms
inactive (Common term for not having an effect, especially in medicine.)
|
neutral (Suggests it doesn’t change or influence the result much.)
Antonyms
active (Having an intended effect (for example, an active drug ingredient).)
|
potent (Producing a strong effect.)
Themes
health
|consumer_products
Definition
Not causing an effect (for example, not acting as a drug).
Not producing a particular intended effect, especially in medicine or products (for example, not affecting the body).
Grammar
Dictionary form
inert
IPA
GB/ɪnˈɚt/
US/ɪnˈɚt/
Syllables & stress
in - ert (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ert)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: inert
Word family
Expressions
inert gas
1/ɪnˈɚt ɡˈæs/
fixed phrase
technical
a nonreactive gas
A gas that does not react easily.
Examples
- The welder flooded the area with an inert gas to protect the hot metal.
- Food packaging may use an inert gas to slow spoilage.
- They stored the samples under an inert gas to prevent oxidation.
Learner examples
- They used an inert gas.
- Argon is an inert gas.
inert ingredient
1/ɪnˈɚt ɪŋɡɹˈidiənt/
fixed phrase
non-active product component
An ingredient that is not the active one.
Examples
- Always check the label if you have allergies to an inert ingredient.
- The active drug is tiny; most of the pill is inert ingredient.
- The manufacturer changed an inert ingredient to improve shelf life.
Learner examples
- This medicine has an inert ingredient.
- I am allergic to one inert ingredient.