Definition of nonfeasancenext
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 The governor may be impeached for malfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance of official duties. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonfeasance
Noun
  • Federal law enforcement agencies are generally shielded from legal liability, but there are some exceptions, including some claims of employee negligence.
    CYBELE MAYES-OSTERMAN, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Floridians harmed by government negligence deserve fair compensation, and the claims process exists to provide it.
    Eric "Doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Holmes has served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), or someone appointed by a judge to act in the best interest of children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • With economic upheaval came neglect, and the once-glamorous sanatoriums and baths fell into disrepair.
    Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonfeasance. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster