inertia UK /ɪnˈɜː.ʃə/US /ɪnˈɝ.ʃə/ noun3 •The property of a body that resists any change to its uniform motion; equivalent to its mass. •Lack of activity; sluggishness; said especially of the uterus, when, in labour, its contractions have nearly or wholly ceased. •(figurative) In a person, unwillingness to take action.Men […] have immense irresolution and inertia. — 1837 formsinertiae · inertias