as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
you can sue for nonfeasance if the company doesn't fulfill the contract
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of nonfeasance
In ruling on nonfeasance, the courts would have to weigh whether lawmakers have repeatedly failed to do their official duties, said Jason Marisam, an associate professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul and former Minnesota assistant attorney general.
—
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2025
Finally, Fauci’s role in this miasma remains unclear — in part because of his obfuscation and in part the nonfeasance of scientific journalists who for years haven’t aggressively pursued COVID-19’s origin story.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The response says Paul was suspended for gross misconduct, neglect of duty, nonfeasance and failure of good behavior.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2024
In practice, our too-complex system degrades just about every public responsibility into nonfeasance.
—Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 1 June 2022
The institution is one of the largest banks in the U.S. and an ongoing source of some difficult to differentiate apparent combination of misfeasance, nonfeasance, and malfeasance.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2021
However, Albertson ruled that misfeasance and nonfeasance are not listed as crimes under Virginia’s state code, according to attorneys for the defendants.
—Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2019
His nonfeasance included not filing critical pleadings, not attending hearings, not forwarding files to successor counsel, not refunding unearned fees and not responding to client inquiries.
—Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 13 July 2018
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2025
Finally, Fauci’s role in this miasma remains unclear — in part because of his obfuscation and in part the nonfeasance of scientific journalists who for years haven’t aggressively pursued COVID-19’s origin story.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The response says Paul was suspended for gross misconduct, neglect of duty, nonfeasance and failure of good behavior.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2024
In practice, our too-complex system degrades just about every public responsibility into nonfeasance.
—Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 1 June 2022
The institution is one of the largest banks in the U.S. and an ongoing source of some difficult to differentiate apparent combination of misfeasance, nonfeasance, and malfeasance.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2021
However, Albertson ruled that misfeasance and nonfeasance are not listed as crimes under Virginia’s state code, according to attorneys for the defendants.
—Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2019
His nonfeasance included not filing critical pleadings, not attending hearings, not forwarding files to successor counsel, not refunding unearned fees and not responding to client inquiries.
—Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 13 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonfeasance
Noun
-
Terril Johnson’s wife of more than 54 years, Linda Johnson, of Los Angeles, his son, daughter-in-law, grandson and three granddaughters are suing on claims of negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress.—
Julia Marnin,
Sacbee.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The complaint accused Coconut Grove Sailing Club and three counselors, including the one who operated the motorboat, of various counts of negligence.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The student’s mother was sentenced to a total of nearly four years in prison for child neglect and federal weapons charges.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Organizers also say historic status would help prevent demolition by neglect.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nonfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonfeasance. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share