In chemistry, the term chemically inert is used to describe a substance that is not chemically reactive. From a thermodynamic perspective, a substance is inert, or nonlabile, if it is thermodynamically unstable yet decomposes at a slow, or negligible rate.

What does inert mean in science?

Definition. An inert chemical substance is one that is not generally reactive. This is a synonym for "inactive" with respect to chemical reactions. Inert has a non-chemical meaning of being unable to move or resist movement; for example, "the accident victim was laying on the ground, inert."

What is an example of something inert?

The definition of inert is slow or having no action or power to move. An example of inert is a slug that is standing still.