inaction

noun

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

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 governor issued the ban as a result of the inaction of state lawmakers over several months. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025 San Diego County’s inaction is shameful. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2025 Durbin, who is set to retire in two years, said the impact of inaction will soon be felt in his home state. Leila Fadel, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 Outsourcing the job to non-state actors allows aggressors to avoid activating the terms that trigger action in security alliances, making the reputational damage of inaction by the security guarantor much lower. Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 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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