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

At a time when Florida’s educator retention problem is harming students statewide, inaction is a choice that maintains a failing status quo. —Andrew Spar, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026

But supporters of the bill, that passed committee on a party-line vote, say the cost of inaction is far greater. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

The result has been a season largely characterized by inaction from the front office, when action, of varying degrees, might have saved the season. —Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

Failing to file actually incurs much larger penalties than failing to pay, but either way, your tax debt is likely to have grown over the years due to inaction. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 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