'inert' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'iners,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'ars' meant 'skill or art.'

'iners' transformed into the French word 'inerte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inert' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'without skill or art,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking the ability to move or chemically inactive.'