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.

---

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

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 Charles James Lever

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 William H. Allen

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 William Garden Blaikie

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---