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
Some who support the war most vocally also invoke free-market principles as grounds for government inaction.
—
David S. Cohen, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026
The cost of the mayor’s inaction is not abstract.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Tong noted that the issue is becoming even more important amid federal inaction on the issue.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
What is needed now is coordination, commitment, and the recognition that in a world of accelerating climate risk, the cost of inaction dwarfs the cost of getting this right.
—Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 20 May 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.
David S. Cohen, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026
The cost of the mayor’s inaction is not abstract.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Tong noted that the issue is becoming even more important amid federal inaction on the issue.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
What is needed now is coordination, commitment, and the recognition that in a world of accelerating climate risk, the cost of inaction dwarfs the cost of getting this right.
—Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 20 May 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 30 May. 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
