The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

inertia

IPA:

Dictionary definition of inertia

A psychological or societal tendency to resist change, take no action, or remain unchanged in a given situation.
"The company's bureaucracy has led to a state of inertia and stagnation."

Detailed meaning of inertia

It represents a state of inactivity or apathy, where individuals or groups may be disinclined to initiate new efforts, adapt to evolving circumstances, or break away from established routines. In this context, 'inertia' implies a resistance to making decisions or taking proactive steps, often due to complacency, fear, or a preference for maintaining the status quo. It is a concept often invoked when discussing organizational stagnation, societal reluctance to address pressing issues, or personal resistance to embracing change and innovation. Overcoming inertia often requires a deliberate effort to break free from comfort zones and drive forward progress or transformation.

Example sentences containing inertia

1. Overcoming inertia can be difficult when starting a new project.
2. Inertia is a natural tendency to resist change or movement.
3. The inertia of an object is directly proportional to its mass.
4. A lack of motivation can lead to inertia and complacency.
5. The inertia of the car kept it moving even after the engine had turned off.
6. The inertia of the political system can make it difficult to pass new legislation.

History and etymology of inertia

The noun 'inertia' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'iners,' which means 'unskilled' or 'inactive.' In Latin, 'iners' was used to describe a lack of skill or ability, but over time, it evolved to also convey the concept of inactivity or resistance to change. When it entered into English, 'inertia' came to represent a psychological or societal tendency to resist change, take no action, or remain unchanged in a given situation. The etymology of 'inertia' underscores the idea of a persistent state of rest or inactivity, whether in the physical or metaphorical sense, emphasizing the resistance to external forces or influences that would otherwise prompt motion or change.

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Further usage examples of inertia

1. Overcoming inertia is the first step in making progress towards your goals.
2. The inertia of the market can make it difficult to introduce new products or ideas.
3. Inertia is a force that acts against movement and change.
4. Overcoming inertia often requires a change in mindset and attitude.
5. The state of inertia can be broken by taking small steps towards a larger goal.
6. The car's inertia prevented it from stopping suddenly.
7. He struggled to overcome the inertia of his old habits.
8. The company's inertia hindered its ability to adapt to changing market trends.
9. Overcoming inertia, she took the first step towards achieving her goals.
10. The inertia of bureaucracy slowed down the decision-making process.
11. The rocket's inertia propelled it into outer space.
12. The team's inertia was broken by a sudden burst of energy and enthusiasm.
13. Inertia can be a difficult obstacle to overcome when starting a new project.
14. The inertia of the heavy object made it difficult to move.
15. The inertia of tradition often resists change and innovation.
16. A lack of motivation can lead to inertia in personal development.
17. The inertia of the ocean waves carried the surfer effortlessly.
18. She felt trapped in the inertia of her daily routine.
19. The inertia of the economy caused a slowdown in growth.