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

What signals has leadership sent—through action or inaction—about what is tolerated? — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

No mandate for inaction Should Democrats win majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives in 2026, the issue of immigration is highly unlikely to be resolved. — Justin Gest, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Over time, that inaction would collaborate with corporate media and far-right media to gloss over the horrors of the coup with a peaceful sheen. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

The Giants appeared to make some kind of point with Skattebo’s inaction. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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