lying dormant

USAGE SUMMARY

"lying dormant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or situation that lacks movement or progress. For example: "My business plan was lying dormant until I had the capital to invest in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Infections outwit powerful drugs by lying dormant.

The New York Times

The old one, Mueller Municipal Airport, was lying dormant.

The New Yorker

it should be a "cyber pathogen, lying dormant".

The Guardian - Tech

It was just lying dormant in their accounts, doing nothing.

The Guardian

Still, not one Broadway theater is lying dormant.

The New York Times

She was kind of semi-retired, lying dormant".

The Guardian - Music

"There was this fan base that was lying dormant.

The New York Times - Arts

It's possible that seeds could yet be lying dormant and regenerate.

Independent

The tools of our trades lying dormant, we set out to be productive despite our handicap.

The New York Times

If you are uncertain what a "lying dormant cyber pathogen" actually is, don't worry.

The Guardian - Tech

And as always with Bennett he's unearthed talent that's been hiding or lying dormant.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lying dormant" to describe situations where something is temporarily inactive but has the potential to become active or relevant in the future. For example, "The old skills were lying dormant until the new project required them."

Common error

Avoid using "lying dormant" to describe something that is permanently inactive or has no potential for future use. The phrase implies a temporary state, not a final one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying dormant" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe a state of inactivity or suspended animation. As Ludwig confirms, it correctly describes actions or situations lacking immediate movement but retaining potential for future activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lying dormant" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a state of temporary inactivity coupled with the potential for future activation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, demonstrating its broad relevance. While various alternatives exist, such as "remaining inactive" or "being latent", "lying dormant" effectively conveys both the current state and the implied potential, as confirmed by the numerous examples available on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining inactive

Focuses on the lack of current activity, emphasizing a deliberate choice or natural state.

being latent

Highlights the potential for future activation, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

in a state of dormancy

Emphasizes the condition or state of being inactive, often used in biological contexts.

unexpressed potential

Emphasizes the untapped capabilities or possibilities that exist but are not currently being utilized.

temporarily inactive

Highlights the temporary nature of the inactivity, suggesting a future return to activity.

in abeyance

Suggests a temporary suspension or postponement, often used in legal or procedural contexts.

quiescent

Implies a state of quietness or inactivity, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

suspended

Focuses on the interruption of activity, implying a potential for resumption.

unutilized

Emphasizes the failure to use something that is available or capable.

gathering dust

Suggests neglect and disuse, implying a lack of attention or maintenance.

FAQs

How can I use "lying dormant" in a sentence?

You can use "lying dormant" to describe something that is inactive but has the potential to become active again. For example, "The project was "lying dormant" until funding was secured."

What are some alternatives to "lying dormant"?

Some alternatives to "lying dormant" include "remaining inactive", "being latent", or "in a state of dormancy".

Is it correct to say "laying dormant" instead of "lying dormant"?

While "laying" and "lying" are often confused, "lying dormant" is the correct phrase. "Laying" requires a direct object, while "lying" describes a state of being.

What's the difference between "lying dormant" and "lying unused"?

"Lying dormant" implies a potential for future use or activity, whereas "lying unused" simply means something is not currently being used, without necessarily suggesting future activation. Dormancy suggests a temporary suspension, while unused is a more general state.