What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inactivated
Example
The vaccine contains inactivated viruses that cannot cause disease. [inactivated: adjective]
Example
The security system was inactivated due to a power outage. [inactivated: verb]
disabled
Example
He was born with a disabled leg and uses a wheelchair to get around. [disabled: adjective]
Example
The company disabled the feature due to security concerns. [disabled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disabled is a more common word than inactivated in everyday language, as it is used to describe people with physical or mental impairments. Inactivated is less common and is typically used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the deactivation of substances or organisms.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between inactivated and disabled?
Inactivated is a more formal word than disabled, which is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or technical contexts depending on the situation.