inaction

[ in-ak-shuhn ]

noun

1. absence of action; idleness.

inaction

/ ɪnˈækʃən /

noun

1. lack of action; idleness; inertia

Word History and Origins

Origin of inaction¹

First recorded in 1700–10; in- ³ + action

Example Sentences

The report found inaction from the Church was a "missed opportunity" to bring Smyth to justice before his 2018 death.

From BBC

Inaction from the Church represented a "missed opportunity to bring him to justice," the report says.

From BBC

Manuel said there could be some mistakes by his team after weeks of inaction, but the Gauchos are healthy and hungry as the No. 1 seed in the Open Division.

From Los Angeles Times

It calls on the government to consider one of two measures to mitigate the impact on businesses, accepting they come at "an immediate financial cost" but that "lost growth potential" from inaction "would be substantially more expensive".

From BBC

But federal inaction has delayed the enforcement of seven of the eight regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inactivity
• inertia
• passivity
• stagnation