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inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
: lack of action or activity : idleness
protesting the administration's inaction

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The provider of global business sustainability ratings said climate inaction is mounting; ignoring supply chain emissions could cost companies more than $500 billion annually by 2030, according to the 2025 Carbon Action Report by EcoVadis and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2025 But Grainier’s defining quality translates to inaction when a group of vigilantes attacks one of his co-workers. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025 In Oz, society was shaped by the action (or inaction) of women—which could be a positive thing. Time, 21 Nov. 2025 Failing to act over a longer period can also make inaction seem like approval, meaning the subject would become harder to grieve later. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaction

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inaction was in 1707

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Cite this Entry

“Inaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaction. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

inaction

noun
in·​ac·​tion (ˈ)in-ˈak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
: lack of action or activity : idleness

More from Merriam-Webster on inaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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