do-nothingism

[ doo-nuhth-ing-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the policy or practice of opposing a specific measure or change simply by refusing to consider or act on proposals; deliberate obstructionism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-nothingism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; do-nothing + -ism

Example Sentences

So while lukewarmers may fancy ourselves serious interlocutors for liberals, we’re actually just running interference on behalf of know-nothing and do-nothingism, attacking flawed policies on behalf of a Republican Party that will never, ever advance any policies of its own.

From Seattle Times

“From Know-Nothingism to Do-Nothingism in the U.S. Senate,” it declared in a news release.

From Time

“We’re making up for 30 years of do-nothingism in mass transportation,” he said in a 1968 interview.

From New York Times

We often act," said Lerner, "as if the alternatives were all or nothing: compulsory arbitration or do-nothingism.

From Time Magazine Archive

France's new Premier Edgar Faure has set himself a characteristic goal: to steer a middle course between Mend�s-France's contentious boldness and the do-nothingism of Mend�s' predecessors.

From Time Magazine Archive