Synonyms of inaction

inaction

noun

(ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 

as in inertia

lack of action or activity

as a result of the park department's inaction, the city's pools are not ready to open for the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inertia
• inactivity
• nonaction
• inertness
• idleness
• laziness
• quiescence
• lethargy
• dormancy
• sleepiness
• indolence
• sloth
• sluggishness
• lounging
• loafing
• lassitude
• languor
• shiftlessness
• listlessness
• dallying
• lolling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• action
• activity
• activeness
• exuberance
• robustness
• vivacity
• liveliness
• industry
• vibrancy
• briskness
• employment
• occupation
• diligence
• sprightliness
• business
• industriousness
• assiduity
• animateness
• jazziness
• peppiness
• assiduousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inaction

Iran is closing the strait, which is critical for global trade, in response to America's actions and the international community's inaction, the outlet reported. —Henry J. Gomez, NBC news, 23 June 2025

Lawmakers and public safety experts slammed the department’s inaction. —Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025

The tools exist, the use cases are real, and the cost of inaction is far too high. —Markus Pflitsch, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Trump deserves credit for ignoring the voices in Washington who counsel inaction out of an understandable but often paralyzing fear of unintended consequences. —The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025