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 organizations that waited on cybersecurity were more likely to find that the cost of inaction far exceeded the cost of preparation. — Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Evan Curbeam, 29, was found dead near Fells Point in 2013; his father publicly criticized the city’s inaction the following year. — Joseph V. Sakran, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 2026

The impact would be widespread The consequences of inaction would not be confined to retirees. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Sixth District Councilman Johnathan Duncan was the sole critic of the city’s inaction before the council voted to repeal the emergency order to make repairs. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 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