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
Alhasan said Gulf states must weigh the risks of joining the war against the cost of staying out, warning that inaction could weaken deterrence and make future Iranian attacks more likely.
—
Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Congress passed a law in 2022 requiring it within a year, but it was delayed by congressional inaction.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
While January additions may have proven ineffective, Tottenham’s recruitment team’s inaction in addressing glaring issues could result in the most improbable Premier League story since Leicester City’s title win in 2016.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inaction
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Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Congress passed a law in 2022 requiring it within a year, but it was delayed by congressional inaction.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
While January additions may have proven ineffective, Tottenham’s recruitment team’s inaction in addressing glaring issues could result in the most improbable Premier League story since Leicester City’s title win in 2016.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
This is Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, a gripping portrait of a young prince caught between action and inaction, grief and rage, truth and deception.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 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 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inaction
noun
in·ac·tion
(ˈ)in-ˈak-shən
: lack of action or activity : idleness
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