in·active [inactiveinactivity] BrE [ɪnˈæktɪv] NAmE [ɪnˈæktɪv] adjective 1. not doing anything; not active •Some animals are inactive during the daytime. •politically inactive •The volcano has been inactive for 50 years. 2. not in use; not working •an inactive oil well 3. having no effect •an inactive drug/disease Opp: ↑active Derived Word: ↑inactivity