inertia
Translation
inertia, inaction, lethargy
Examples
The inertia of the bureaucracy makes change difficult.
The inertia of the bureaucracy makes change difficult.
An object in motion stays in motion due to inertia.
An object in motion stays in motion due to inertia.
Grammar Patterns
the inertia of ((sth.)) the lack of desire or ability to move or change (sth.) The inertia of the government is a problem.
Similar Words
Synonyms: inaction, lethargy, sluggishness; Antonyms: action, energy, activity
Etymology
From Latin 'inertia' meaning 'unskillfulness, inactivity', from 'iners' (unskilled, inactive), which comes from 'in-' (not) + 'ars' (art, skill).
Memory Tips
Think of the physics concept: an object at rest stays at rest. This applies to people and organizations too—they resist change.