What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inactivate
Example
The security system will inactivate if the correct code is not entered. [inactivate: verb]
Example
The inactivation of the account was due to a security breach. [inactivation: noun]
disable
Example
The virus has disabled the computer's operating system. [disable: verb]
Example
The injury has left him temporarily disabled. [disabled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disable is more commonly used than inactivate in everyday language. Disable is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while inactivate is less common and is mostly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inactivate and disable?
Inactivate is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while disable can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
