The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

sedentary

adjective

/ˈsɛd(ə)nt(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sedentary

Characterized by a lack of physical activity and prolonged periods of sitting or remaining in one place.
"His sedentary lifestyle contributed to weight gain and health issues."

Detailed meaning of sedentary

It is commonly associated with office work, where individuals spend most of their day sitting at a desk and not engaging in much physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a number of health risks, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It is recommended that people engage in regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, to offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Additionally, taking regular breaks from sitting, stretching and moving around is also important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Overall, sedentary is a term that is often used to describe a lifestyle or behavior that is characterized by a lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting.

Example sentences containing sedentary

1. The office job required long hours of sedentary work at a computer.
2. She realized the importance of regular exercise to combat her sedentary habits.
3. The doctor advised him to incorporate physical activity to counteract his sedentary routine.
4. The sedentary nature of the job led to back pain and discomfort.
5. Spending too much time in front of screens can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
6. She made an effort to stand up and move around periodically during her sedentary work hours.

History and etymology of sedentary

The adjective 'sedentary' originates from the Latin word 'sedentarius,' which is derived from 'sedere,' meaning 'to sit.' This etymological root aptly captures the essence of 'sedentary' as it describes a lifestyle characterized by a lack of physical activity and prolonged periods of sitting or remaining in one place. Over time, the term transitioned into Middle English as 'sedentarie' before settling into its modern form, 'sedentary.' The etymology of 'sedentary' serves as a linguistic mirror of its meaning, rooted in the concept of sitting and inactivity, which defines this adjective.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective sedentary:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of sedentary

1. The sedentary nature of remote work prompted her to join an online fitness class.
2. Children today often lead more sedentary lives due to increased screen time.
3. His doctor recommended breaks and stretches to counter the effects of his sedentary job.
4. The sedentary lifestyle led to a decline in his overall health and fitness.
5. Regular breaks from sitting were advised to prevent the negative effects of sedentary behavior.
6. The sedentary nature of the conference left participants longing for physical activity.
7. Her sedentary habits had a noticeable impact on her energy levels.
8. The rise of technology has contributed to the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles.
9. His passion for reading sometimes led to long hours of sedentary indulgence.
10. The sedentary work environment made her appreciate the value of movement and exercise.
11. Engaging in hobbies like gardening helped counterbalance her otherwise sedentary routine.
12. Sedentary behavior is linked to an increased risk of various health conditions.
13. She was determined to make changes to her sedentary habits and prioritize physical activity.
14. Her sedentary lifestyle led to weight gain and health problems.
15. Sedentary office jobs often result in back pain and stiffness.
16. They chose a sedentary evening of movies and snacks.
17. Sedentary habits can contribute to a decline in fitness levels.
18. A sedentary routine can affect both physical and mental health.
19. Sedentary behavior is linked to increased risk of heart disease.
20. Long flights can be uncomfortable for those with sedentary jobs.
21. Sedentary students may struggle to stay focused in class.
22. Sedentary leisure activities can lead to a lack of energy.
23. The sedentary nature of the job made him feel lethargic.
24. She recognized the need to break her sedentary cycle for better health.