inaction
noun
in·ac·tion
(ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 
: lack of action or activity : idleness
protesting the administration's inaction
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
This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.
—
Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
The assumption that silence is inaction is dangerously short sighted.
—Sona Khosla, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
The cost of inaction could be substantial enough to justify urging candidates to assess their viability before the filing deadline.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
To worry first about overreach rather than about the consequences of inaction.
—Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inaction
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.
Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
The assumption that silence is inaction is dangerously short sighted.
—Sona Khosla, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
The cost of inaction could be substantial enough to justify urging candidates to assess their viability before the filing deadline.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
To worry first about overreach rather than about the consequences of inaction.
—Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inaction
Cite this Entry
“Inaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaction. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inaction
noun
in·ac·tion
(ˈ)in-ˈak-shən
: lack of action or activity : idleness
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
