sedentary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sedentary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who leads a mostly inactive or stationary life, or to describe activities or tasks that involve little to no physical activity. Example sentence: "I am trying to incorporate more physical activity into my lifestyle, as I have been living a mostly sedentary life for the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among those who exercised vigorously – defined as hard training several times a week – the lifespan was as much as five years longer than among those who were sedentary.

The Guardian

Faced with mounting obesity rates and a stubbornly sedentary population, physicians – especially pediatricians – are refining their exhortations that patients need to get more exercise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is type 2 diabetes that is strongly linked to unhealthy diet, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

The Guardian

In Dhaka, like many mega-cities, NCD rates are escalating at the same time as massive migration to the city, where populations are becoming more sedentary with limited options for physical activity in the polluted, congested, crowded urban space.

The Guardian

"I was pushing myself to do something like 5km in 20 minutes, which is a challenge even for a professional oarsman let alone a sedentary journalist," he recalls, reliving his crisis.

The Guardian

Catering for Britons' sedentary lifestyles, gyms are forever opening in converted offices and basements.

The Economist

That means about 1,800 for sedentary men and 1,500 for sedentary women.

The Economist

City-dwellers often eat a high-calorie diet which, combined with a sedentary life, leads to obesity.

The Economist

Men are pretty sedentary, whether or not they work long hours.

The Economist

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] adviceSIR – Your assertion that type-1 diabetes is thought to be genetic, whereas type-2 diabetes is caused by obesity and sedentary lifestyles, is wrong ("An American epidemic", February 17th).

The Economist

Thanks to decades of over-eating and sedentary living, Mississippi has America's worst rates of obesity, cardio-vascular disease and hypertension, and second worst for diabetes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health risks associated with a lack of physical activity, use "sedentary" to precisely describe the inactive nature of a lifestyle.

Common error

While "sedentary" is accurate, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "inactive" or "not very active" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sedentary" primarily functions to describe a state of inactivity or a lifestyle characterized by minimal physical movement. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in contexts related to health risks and lifestyle choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sedentary" is used to describe a lifestyle or activity characterized by minimal physical movement. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and very common, frequently appearing in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. The term serves to inform about the potential health risks associated with prolonged inactivity and it's considered a neutral term, leaning towards a slightly more formal register. While synonyms like "inactive" or "stationary" exist, "sedentary" offers a specific emphasis on the lack of movement. In essence, understanding the nuances of "sedentary" allows for more precise and impactful communication about the implications of inactive habits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inactive lifestyle

Focuses on the lifestyle aspect, emphasizing the lack of physical activity as a regular pattern.

physically inactive

Highlights the physical aspect of inactivity, directly referring to the absence of physical exertion.

sitting around

Informal way to describe spending time idly in a seated position.

desk-bound

Specifically relates to jobs or activities that require prolonged sitting at a desk.

motionless

Emphasizes the complete lack of movement, suggesting a state of stillness.

stationary

Focuses on the lack of travel or relocation, indicating a fixed position.

immobile

Suggests an inability to move, often due to physical limitations.

static existence

Highlights the unchanging and uneventful nature of a life with little activity.

couch potato

An informal term for someone who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down watching television.

lethargic

Emphasizes the lack of energy and enthusiasm, leading to reduced activity.

FAQs

How can I use "sedentary" in a sentence?

You can use "sedentary" to describe a lifestyle (e.g., "a sedentary lifestyle increases health risks"), a job (e.g., "a sedentary job can lead to weight gain"), or an activity (e.g., "watching TV is a sedentary activity").

What are some synonyms for "sedentary"?

Some synonyms for "sedentary" include "inactive", "stationary", "immobile", and "desk-bound" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "sedentary lifestyle" or "inactive lifestyle"?

Both "sedentary lifestyle" and "inactive lifestyle" are acceptable. "Sedentary" is slightly more formal and emphasizes prolonged sitting or lack of movement, while "inactive" is a broader term for a lack of physical activity.

What are the health risks associated with a "sedentary" lifestyle?

A "sedentary" lifestyle is associated with increased risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Regular physical activity can help mitigate these risks.