inertia
noun
in·er·tia i-ˈnər-shə 
-shē-ə
1
a
: a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force
b
: an analogous property of other physical quantities (such as electricity)
2
: indisposition to motion, exertion, or change : inertness
inertial
i-ˈnər-shəl
adjective -shē-əl
inertially
i-ˈnər-sh(ə-)lē
adverb 
Did you know?
Inertia is the inherent property of a body that makes it oppose any force that would cause a change in its motion. A body at rest and a body in motion both oppose forces that might cause acceleration. The inertia of a body can be measured by its mass, which governs its resistance to the action of a force, or by its moment of inertia about a specified axis, which measures its resistance to the action of a torque about the same axis.
Synonyms
- idleness
- indolence
- laziness
- shiftlessness
- sloth
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He blames governmental inertia for the holdup. After 10 years in an unsatisfying job she overcame her inertia and went back to school.
Recent Examples on the Web What is decisive is the size of the global energy system, its economic and infrastructural inertia. 
Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2022 As soon as central banks shook off their inertia, crypto values started heading south. Arthur Herman, Forbes, 27 June 2022 In short, zero trust chooses security over convenience and inertia. Jon Lin, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 The effects of sleep inertia usually go away after 15 to 60 minutes but can last for up to a few hours. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 10 Aug. 2022 The operational inertia during the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting is emblematic of a larger struggle in policing to internalize not just the nature of courage, but what defines a leader. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 July 2022 To see how powerful inertia can be, consider the difference in participation rates at plans where employers automatically enroll workers into the 401(k) versus those where employees must sign up themselves. Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2022 However, spending inertia is very common and, oftentimes, there are some expenses that can be cut out with minimal impact. Cristina Lourosa-ricardo, WSJ, 21 May 2022 And from a forgiveness perspective, the inertia is higher than any other competitors out there. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 See More
Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2022 As soon as central banks shook off their inertia, crypto values started heading south. Arthur Herman, Forbes, 27 June 2022 In short, zero trust chooses security over convenience and inertia. Jon Lin, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 The effects of sleep inertia usually go away after 15 to 60 minutes but can last for up to a few hours. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 10 Aug. 2022 The operational inertia during the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting is emblematic of a larger struggle in policing to internalize not just the nature of courage, but what defines a leader. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 July 2022 To see how powerful inertia can be, consider the difference in participation rates at plans where employers automatically enroll workers into the 401(k) versus those where employees must sign up themselves. Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2022 However, spending inertia is very common and, oftentimes, there are some expenses that can be cut out with minimal impact. Cristina Lourosa-ricardo, WSJ, 21 May 2022 And from a forgiveness perspective, the inertia is higher than any other competitors out there. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin, lack of skill, from inert-, iners
First Known Use
1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing inertia
Kids Definition
inertia
noun
in·er·tia i-ˈnər-shə
1
: a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force
2
: a tendency not to move or change
He stayed at the job mostly because of his inertia.
Medical Definition
inertia
noun
in·er·tia in-ˈər-shə, -shē-ə
1
a
: a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force
b
: an analogous property of other physical quantities (as electricity)
2
: lack of activity or movement —used especially of the uterus in labor when its contractions are weak or irregular
inertia
noun
as in laziness
an inclination not to do work or engage in activities the inertia that grips so many of the club's members is the reason why nothing ever gets done Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- laziness
- idleness
- indolence
- sloth
- lethargy
- loafing
- shiftlessness
- apathy
- sluggishness
- supineness
- lassitude
- languor
- lounging
- listlessness
- dallying
- lolling
- goldbricking
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- industry
- drive
- initiative
- industriousness
- ambition
- enterprise
- energy
- hustle
- perseverance
- diligence
- vigor
- vitality
- exuberance
- vivacity
- robustness
- go
- animation
- assiduity
- liveliness
- assiduousness
- sprightliness
- briskness
- vibrancy
- pep
- vim
- lustiness
- peppiness
- jazziness