inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 

: lack of action or activity : idleness

Synonyms

• dormancy
• idleness
• inactivity
• inertness
• nonaction
• quiescence

Examples of inaction in a Sentence

The protesters criticized the administration's inaction on environmental issues.

We must consider the consequences of continued inaction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Question whether the risk of inaction is greater than the risk of moving forward. —Margie Warrell, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

The resolution likely will involve a combination of state help, fare increases and governance changes or consolidation for the various agencies, including the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority, but inaction isn’t an option. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025

This achievement gap reflects an ongoing crisis likely to worsen with inaction. —Alicia Simba, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

Many of our brave officers are hampered by policy incongruence that many times lead to inaction. —Anthony Segrich, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˈ)in-ˈak-shən 

: lack of action or activity : idleness