diff --git a/wl.c b/wl.c
index 0cd9d26..0830fbe 100644
--- a/wl.c
+++ b/wl.c
@@ -387,11 +387,17 @@ flushpending(void)
 	takedraw();
 }
 
+/*
+ * A purpose belongs to the activation: the compositor sends a content type
+ * only for a client that asked for one, so a client that asks for none has
+ * none, whatever the last one wanted.
+ */
 static void
 imactivate(void*, struct zwp_input_method_v2*)
 {
 	pendingactive = 1;
 	activated = 1;
+	pendingpurpose = 0;
 }
 
 static void