inertia
word
Definition
Inertia is the tendency of an object to stay still or keep moving in the same way unless something else makes it change. It can also describe a lack of motivation to change or act.
Usage & Nuances
Used in physics (Newton's first law), but also in everyday English to describe people or groups who are slow to change. Common in formal, scientific, and business contexts. For people, often implies a negative sense of stagnation or resistance to change.
Example Sentences
Because of inertia, the ball kept rolling until it hit the wall.
basic
She fought against her own inertia to finish her homework.
basic
Inertia kept the old system in place for many years.
basic
I wanted to start exercising, but inertia got the best of me this weekend.
natural
There's a lot of inertia in big organizations—they're slow to adapt.
natural
Sometimes, all it takes to break inertia is one small step.
natural