Definition of nonfeasancenext
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action you can sue for nonfeasance if the company doesn't fulfill the contract

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nonfeasance The governor may be impeached for malfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance of official duties. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026 Finally, Fauci’s role in this miasma remains unclear — in part because of his obfuscation and in part the nonfeasance of scientific journalists who for years haven’t aggressively pursued COVID-19’s origin story. Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 The response says Paul was suspended for gross misconduct, neglect of duty, nonfeasance and failure of good behavior. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2024 In practice, our too-complex system degrades just about every public responsibility into nonfeasance. Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 1 June 2022 However, Albertson ruled that misfeasance and nonfeasance are not listed as crimes under Virginia’s state code, according to attorneys for the defendants. Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonfeasance
Noun
  • One is the legal stuff that’s going on—all this liability and product-liability and negligence stuff is starting to gain ground very much like the cigarette.
    Victoria Feng, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In early August, the surviving Waithe daughter sued Kara, Zhuldasov and Next Level Express, alleging negligence and reckless conduct.
    John Kelly, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After all, people today eat hard candy, open bottles with their teeth, neglect to brush and floss.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026
  • On social media and in legal filings, animal advocates complain that the 50-block zone in downtown Los Angeles that’s home to thousands of unhoused people is an epicenter of animal neglect and cruelty.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonfeasance. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster