The conceptual definition of employment inactivity, from a legal point of view, requires a determination of the elements that identify it and the regulatory framework to be used for analysis. Based on these criteria, this study orders and studies the different types of inactivity. As temporary causes it analyzes: unemployment, temporary incapacity, and others that have their origin in family protection measures. As causes of definitive inactivity, it analyzes: permanent invalidity, retirement and the death of the worker. The study constitutes a contribution to the research Pensiones y prestaciones por desempleo (Pensions and Unemployment Benefits) (Fundación BBV, page 66).