do-nothingism

American  

[doo-nuhth-ing-iz-uhm] / ˈduˌnʌθ ɪŋˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the policy or practice of opposing a specific measure or change simply by refusing to consider or act on proposals; deliberate obstructionism.

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Etymology

Origin of do-nothingism

First recorded in 1830–40; do-nothing + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

do-nothingism

“We’re making up for 30 years of do-nothingism in mass transportation,” he said in a 1968 interview.

From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2014

We often act," said Lerner, "as if the alternatives were all or nothing: compulsory arbitration or do-nothingism.

From Time Magazine Archive

He is somewhat cutting at the expense of so-called "missionaries to the heathen, who never march into real heathen territory, and quiet their consciences by opposing their do-nothingism to my blundering do-somethingism!"

From The Personal Life of David Livingstone by Blaikie, William Garden

Then, I have the most intense relish for the life of idleness I have been leading; the lounging "do-nothingism" that would kill most men with ennui, is to me inexpressibly delightful.

From Diary And Notes Of Horace Templeton, Esq. Volume I (of II) by Lever, Charles James

It is as much a wrong to bring up children in an atmosphere of do-nothingism, as to refuse to have their teeth attended to or to have glasses fitted to weak eyes.

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.