# inactive

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ɪnˈæktɪv/ · frequency rank #12,443

## Definitions
1. Not active, temporarily or permanently.
2. Not engaging in physical activity.
3. Not functioning or operating; broken down
4. Retired from duty or service.
5. Relatively inert.
6. Showing no optical activity in polarized light.

## Etymology
From French inactif. See also earlier unactive.

## Easily confused with
- **inductive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inactive-vs-inductive)
- **inaction** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inaction-vs-inactive)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ianctive`, `inacctive`, `inacitve`, `inactiev`, `inactivve`, `inacttive`, `inactvie`, `inatcive`, `incative`, `innactive`, `niactive`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/inactive