inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
Synonyms of inactionnext
: 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.
Written in partnership with the business and technology consultancy Accenture, Aii’s new report on the cost of inaction offers purse-string holders a stout business case. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026 And the safety of inaction is an illusion. Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2026 Legally, the case centers on what Colin Gray knew about his son’s dangerousness and his actions or inaction leading up to the shooting. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 The cost of our inaction is measured in funerals. Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 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 26 Feb. 2026.

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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