Inert
mediumNeutral tonein-URT
adjective
Definition
lacking the power to move or act; sluggish or chemically inactive
Memory hook
INERT sounds like 'IN + hURT and won't move': lying still, doing nothing, totally inactive.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The patient lay inert on the stretcher, unresponsive to questions.”
“Argon is an inert gas that rarely reacts with other elements.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The patient lay ______ on the stretcher, unresponsive to questions.”
Show answer
inert
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Inert is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "inactive" or "motionless" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "active".
Related GRE Words
languid
lacking energy or vigor; slow and relaxed
lethargic
Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic
slothful
Lazy; unwilling to work or exert effort
analogous
Comparable in certain respects; similar
anomaly
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
dilatory
Slow to act; intended to cause delay
Master inert and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.