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
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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.
Examples of inertia in a Sentence
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
There's an institutional credibility and inertia issue.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
For its long running time and handsomely shot inertia, but also for its Cliff’s Notes-adjacent condensing of a massive quote-unquote Great American Novel.
Straughan, when asked about the film’s disappointing debut, did not mince words.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
Short naps avoid wake-up grogginess, also known as sleep inertia.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
However, 60-minute naps may lead to significant sleep inertia.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inertia 
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David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
For its long running time and handsomely shot inertia, but also for its Cliff’s Notes-adjacent condensing of a massive quote-unquote Great American Novel.
Straughan, when asked about the film’s disappointing debut, did not mince words.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
Short naps avoid wake-up grogginess, also known as sleep inertia.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
However, 60-minute naps may lead to significant sleep inertia.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inertia
Dictionary Entries Near inertia
Cite this Entry
“Inertia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inertia. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inertia
noun
in·er·tia
in-ˈər-shə
-shē-ə
1
: a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in unchanging motion unless acted on by some external force
2
: a tendency not to move or change
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
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