adj
Uncommon
inorganic
ih-naw-GA-nihk
Inorganic (adj) means relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds. Example: “Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds.”
adj
1
Relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds.
"Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds."
2
Not arising naturally; artificially produced or promoted rather than growing on its own.
"The startup growth looked inorganic, fueled by paid ads rather than word of mouth."
How to use inorganic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot from living things (chemistry), or not happening naturally on its own (business/marketing).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
inorganic compound
inorganic growth
inorganic chemistry
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like inorganic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- inorganics
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rocks and minerals are made of _____ compounds.
Etymology
Formed from in- ("not") plus organic.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inorganic
See all rhymes for inorganic →Frequently asked questions
What does “inorganic” mean?
The word “inorganic” means relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds. In plain terms, not from living things (chemistry), or not happening naturally on its own (business/marketing).
How do you pronounce “inorganic”?
“Inorganic” is pronounced ih-naw-GA-nihk (/ɪnɔɹˈɡænɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “inorganic” in a sentence?
Here is “inorganic” used in a sentence: “Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds.”
What part of speech is “inorganic”?
“Inorganic” is an adjective.
Is “inorganic” a common word?
“Inorganic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inorganic” have?
“Inorganic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include inorganic:
