*inert*

a. [ L. iners, inertis, unskilled, idle; pref. in- + ars art: cf. F. inerte. See Art. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active resistance to motion; as, matter is inert. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish; dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless. [ 1913 Webster ]

The inert and desponding party of the court. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and at length utterly inert. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting other substances when brought in contact with them; powerless for an expected or desired effect; as, the noble gases are chemically inert.

Syn. -- Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful; lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless; insensible. -- Inert, Inactive, Sluggish. A man may be inactive from mere lack of stimulus to effort; but one who is inert has something in his constitution or his habits which operates like a weight holding him back from exertion. Sluggish is still stronger, implying some defect of temperament which directly impedes action. Inert and inactive are negative, sluggish is positive. [ 1913 Webster ]

Even the favored isles . . .
Can boast but little virtue; and, inert
Through plenty, lose in morals what they gain
In manners -- victims of luxurious ease. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

Doomed to lose four months in inactive obscurity. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin,
Upon a slothful ass he chose to ride. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]