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

Data collection by these organizations helps aid groups prioritize assisting countries facing concurrent conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse—places where inaction has the highest human and geopolitical costs. —Arif Husain, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2025

Because one student going hungry due to government inaction is one too many. —Robert Moreno, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

Mysteriously, Singer never pursued the suit any further and a judge dismissed the case in May 2012 for inaction. —Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

The impasse underscores the deep partisan divides in Congress and raises the stakes for both parties as the 2026 midterm elections approach, with voters increasingly dissatisfied over economic challenges and legislative inaction. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

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