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.
With little to show for the effort, Newsom has started blaming local governments, arguing that their inaction hinders progress. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025 Ritter, Rojas and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, proclaimed themselves satisfied with the annual session, even if scores of bills will die from inaction, as occurs every year. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025 Which people deserve our protection, in the form of asylum or refugee status, has become a kind of proxy fight, waged by successive Presidents operating on the margins of congressional inaction. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 June 2025 Unanticipated construction costs and inaction by the city created significant delays. Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 30 May 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 Jun. 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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