\In*ert"\, a. [L. iners, inertis, unskilled, idle; pref.
in- + ars art: cf. F. inerte. See {Art}.]
1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active
   resistance to motion; as, matter is inert.
2. Indisposed to move or act; very slow to act; sluggish;
   dull; inactive; indolent; lifeless.
         The inert and desponding party of the court.
                                               --Macaulay.
         It present becomes extravagant, then imbecile, and
         at length utterly inert.              --I. Taylor.
3. Not having or manifesting active properties; not affecting
   other substances when brought in contact with them;
   powerless for an expected or desired effect.
Syn: Inactive; dull; passive; indolent; sluggish; slothful;
     lazy; lifeless; irresolute; stupid; senseless;
     insensible.
Usage: {Inert}, {Inactive}, {Sluggish}. A man may be inactive
       from mere want 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.
             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.
             Doomed to lose four months in inactive
             obscurity.                        --Johnson.
             Sluggish Idleness, the nurse of sin, Upon a
             slothful ass he chose to ride.    --Spenser.