Definitions
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- n. The condition or character of being inactive; want of action or exertion; indisposition to act or exert one's self; sluggishness.
- n. Synonyms See idle.
Wiktionary
- n. The quality of being inactive; idleness; passiveness.
GNU Webster's 1913
- n. The state or quality of being inactive; inertness.
- n. Idleness; habitual indisposition to action or exertion; lack of energy; sluggishness.
WordNet 3.0
- n. a disposition to remain inactive or inert
- n. the state of being inactive
- n. being inactive; being less active
Etymologies
- From in- + activity. (Wiktionary)
Examples
“The phrase a wise and masterly inactivity was used in America by Representative John Randolph of Roanoke: We ought to observe that practice which is the hardest of allespecially for young physicianswe ought to throw in no medicine at allto abstainto observe a wise and masterly inactivity.”
“Still, Montaigne goes on to argue that sending 55-60 year-olds into inactivity is too soon, that their vocations and employments should be extended as far as possible.”
“Regulating inactivity is EXPLICITLY permitted, so long as it is necessary and proper to the regulation of interstate commerce.”
Matthew Yglesias » Constitutional Objections to Health Reform
“Ian Gershengorn, a deputy assistant attorney general arguing for the administration, responded that "the appearance of inactivity is just an illusion.”
The Wall Street Journal: Judge to Rule by Year End in Virginia Health-Care Suit
“The appearance of inactivity is just an illusion," he said.”
The Washington Post: Judge says he will rule on Va. health-care challenge by end of the year
“The restlessness of enforced inactivity is setting in.”
“Contemplation and inactivity is highly suspect all through life," he said.”
“I don't think masterly inactivity is desirable at the present moment.”
“But playing against the Los Angeles Lakers after four weeks of inactivity is like entering the Indy 500 with a flat tire.”
“While Wallace pursued his march, the regent was quite at a stand, confounded at the turn which events had taken, and hardly knowing whether to make another essay to collect forces for the support of their former leader, or to follow the refractory counsels of his lords, and await in inactivity the issue of the expected battle.”
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