Vegetate/ˈvedʒəteɪt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional State Used to express a feeling of mental inactivity or low spirits. He's been vegetating at home since he lost his job. Pro Tip 2/3Lack of Progress Indicates no advancement or personal development. Without new challenges, you might start to vegetate. Pro Tip 3/3Inactive Lifestyle Describes a person who is not physically active, often by choice. Since retiring, my uncle prefers to vegetate on the couch.