dormant

word

Definition

Dormant means not active or not growing right now, but able to become active in the future. It is often used for plants, animals, volcanoes, and ideas.

Usage & Nuances

'Dormant' is formal, often found in science, business, or academic writing. Commonly paired with words like 'volcano', 'account', 'tree', or 'disease'. It suggests temporary inactivity, not permanent or dead. Not used to describe people.

Example Sentences

Their business is dormant right now.

basic

The virus can stay dormant in your body for years before causing symptoms.

natural

That old account has been dormant since last year.

natural

He has a dormant talent for painting that he hasn’t explored yet.

natural

The volcano has been dormant for years.

basic

Some plants stay dormant during the winter.

basic