inaction

American  

[in-ak-shuhn] / ɪnˈæk ʃən /

noun

1. absence of action; idleness.

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inaction British  

/ ɪnˈækʃən /

noun

1. lack of action; idleness; inertia

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Etymology

Origin of inaction

First recorded in 1700–10; in- ³ + action

Example Sentences

Still, they must prove to the jury that his action—or inaction—intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently caused them harm.

From The Wall Street Journal

The authors concluded that sometimes an "individual seeing the inaction of others, will judge the situation as less serious than he would be if he were alone".

From BBC

Even for members who aren’t fully convinced of the policy, the optics of inaction have become increasingly difficult to defend.

From Barron's

“We can no longer sit idly by while our rural communities go without help. They deserve solutions and security, not another decade of inaction and uncertainty.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The police will have to approach the court directly and face consequences for inaction or mistakes," the official said.

From BBC

Related Words

• inactivity
• inertia
• passivity
• stagnation