passive

inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity. inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. on inactive status as an astronaut inactive accounts idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. workers were idle in the fields inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity. inert ingredients in drugs an inert citizenry passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control. passive resistance supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. a supine willingness to play the fool inactive, idle, inert, passive, supine mean not engaged in work or activity. inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity. passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control. supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. Adjective and Noun Middle English, from Latin passivus, from passus, past participle of pati 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1) 15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 “Passive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025. Note: Under the Internal Revenue Code, there are two sources of passive income: rental activity and a business in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Nglish: Translation of passive for Spanish Speakers Subscribe to America’s largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples » Get Word of the Day daily email!