# inert

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ɪnˈɜːt/ · frequency rank #25,796

## Definitions
1. Unable to move or act; inanimate.
2. Sluggish or lethargic.
3. Not readily reacting with other elements or compounds.
4. Having no therapeutic action.

## Etymology
From French inerte, from Latin iners (“inactive, inert”).

## Easily confused with
- **int** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-int)
- **init** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-init)
- **Inez** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inez)
- **Iver** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-iver)
- **inner** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inner)
- **input** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-input)
- **intro** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-intro)
- **inlet** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inlet)
- **infer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-infer)
- **Inuit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inuit)
- **infra** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-infra)
- **inset** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inset)
- **innit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-innit)
- **invest** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-invest)
- **intent** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-intent)
- **insert** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-insert)
- **insect** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-insect)
- **intern** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-intern)
- **invent** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-invent)
- **inject** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inert-vs-inject)

## Common misspellings (7)
`ienrt`, `inerrt`, `inertt`, `inetr`, `innert`, `inret`, `niert`

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