nonfeasance

[ non-fee-zuhns ]

noun

, Law.

1. the omission of some act that ought to have been performed. Compare malfeasance, misfeasance ( def 2 ).

nonfeasance

/ ˌnɒnˈfiːzəns /

noun

1. law a failure to act when under an obligation to do so Compare malfeasance misfeasance

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonfeasance¹

1590–1600; non- + obsolete feasance; malfeasance

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonfeasance¹

C16: from non- + feasance (obsolete) performing or doing, from French faisance, from faire to do, from Latin facere

Example Sentences

It also says the state board could remove the county board if it finds that during at least two elections over two years the county board has shown “nonfeasance, malfeasance, or gross negligence.”

From Seattle Times

“The only question that remains is whether this is nonfeasance or malfeasance,” he said.

From Washington Times

It could also remove the county board if it finds that during at least two elections over two years the board has shown “nonfeasance, malfeasance, or gross negligence.”

From Seattle Times

“What type of ‘malfeasance’ or ‘nonfeasance’ might someone be accused of?”

From Reuters

To do otherwise would be ignoring very recent history and would be a dangerous act of nonfeasance.

From New York Times