1
Core quality
Temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
Example
The volcano has remained dormant for centuries.
dormant
/ˈdɔːmənt/ · DOR-muntadjective
Temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
Use dormant to express this relationship precisely: temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
What dormant Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The programme lay dormant until new funding arrived.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Some seeds remain dormant until exposed to water.
Use dormant Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The volcano has remained dormant for centuries.
The programme lay dormant until new funding arrived.
Some seeds remain dormant until exposed to water.
Precision Matters
Dormant overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
dormant
vs.Means temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
latent
Means existing but not yet developed or visible.
dormant
vs.Means temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
moribund
Means approaching death or becoming inactive, obsolete, or defunct.
dormant
vs.Means temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
nascent
Means just beginning to exist, form, or develop.
dormant
vs.Means temporarily inactive, asleep, or not developing, though capable of becoming active again.
operative
Means functioning, in effect, or having an active influence.
Test dormant in Context
It is inactive temporarily but may become active later.
1
The disease can remain ___ for years before symptoms appear.