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 superb ensemble includes Lyudmilla Ignatenko (Jessie Buckley) as the wife of a firefighter mortally wounded in the initial hours of the disaster and the fictional Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson) as a scientist who warns political leaders about the consequences of inaction. —David Faris, TheWeek, 14 May 2026

But the needs of older adults are growing rapidly, and the cost of inaction will only increase over time. —Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

In a May 14 vote, the Senate resoundingly approved a measure to temporarily pause members' own salaries when funding for one or more agencies lapses because of congressional inaction. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 14 May 2026

This is an environmental-justice challenge rooted in policy, infrastructure, and who bears the cost of inaction. —Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 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