Unreactive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Unreactive describes a substance or element that does not easily undergo chemical reactions. It is often used to describe noble gases or stable materials that remain unchanged under normal conditions.
Definition:
Not readily responding or reacting to stimuli, chemicals, or interactions.
Synonyms:
inert, passive, unresponsive, inactive
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
reactive, responsive, active
Common Collocations:
unreactive element, unreactive substance, unreactive material, unreactive gas
Derivatives:
unreactivity, unreactiveness
Usage Tips:
Use "unreactive" to describe substances or people that show little or no response to external influences.
Common Phrases:
chemically unreactive, remain unreactive, largely unreactive
Etymology:
Derived from "un-" (not) + "reactive," from Latin "re-" (back) + "agere" (to act).
Examples:
- 1. The noble gases are unreactive under normal conditions.
- 2. Gold is unreactive to most acids and doesn't corrode easily.
- 3. Her unreactive demeanor made it hard to tell what she was thinking.
- 4. Some metals are chosen for jewelry because they are unreactive with skin.