Inertia

Meaning

Tendency to remain unchanged; lack of movement, activity, or will to act

Origin / Etymology

Latin inertia, from iners (idle, unskilled), in (not) + ars (skill)

Synonyms

Lethargy Stagnation Apathy Sluggishness Passivity

Antonyms

Dynamism Initiative Momentum Vigour Activism

Example Sentence

"Executive inertia in enforcing forest protection orders has allowed encroachment to continue unchecked in ecologically sensitive zones."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Frequently used in GS2 (governance failures) and GS3 (environmental policy) answers. Captures the idea of a system or institution failing to act despite clear mandate, useful in critiquing bureaucratic delays, policy drift, and slow judicial compliance.

Relevant Subjects