inaction
noun
in·ac·tion
(ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 
: 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
Aides said the Pretti death was such a clarifying moment for their bosses that inaction was no longer an option.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
Contrary to popular belief, inaction is not the real danger.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In both instances, prosecutors criminally charged the officer for their alleged inaction.
—Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Juries are often reluctant to convict law enforcement officers for inaction, as seen after the 2018 school massacre in Parkland, Fla.
—Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inaction
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.
Philip Elliott, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
Contrary to popular belief, inaction is not the real danger.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In both instances, prosecutors criminally charged the officer for their alleged inaction.
—Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Juries are often reluctant to convict law enforcement officers for inaction, as seen after the 2018 school massacre in Parkland, Fla.
—Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inaction
Cite this Entry
“Inaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaction. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inaction
noun
in·ac·tion
(ˈ)in-ˈak-shən
: lack of action or activity : idleness
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
