inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 

: lack of action or activity : idleness

protesting the administration's inaction

Synonyms of inaction

• inertia

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

The 'better safe than sorry' mindset, while useful for physical threats, severely restricts career growth, fostering inaction and fear of failure. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The impact would be widespread The consequences of inaction would not be confined to retirees. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Sixth District Councilman Johnathan Duncan was the sole critic of the city’s inaction before the council voted to repeal the emergency order to make repairs. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026

Raman asserted that there have been only three Inside Safe operations in her district and that her committee has been stifled by inaction from the mayor. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

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