inaction

[in-ak-shuhn]

noun

1. absence of action; idleness.

inaction

/ ɪnˈækʃən /

noun

1. lack of action; idleness; inertia

Word History and Origins

Origin of inaction¹

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

Example Sentences

In his address, Gen Burhan denounced inaction by the international community to end atrocities, and vowed to fight "until this land is purified".

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She said she feels her father was "killed" by their inaction.

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Mr Griffiths, who is retired but previously worked for the Environment Agency, said the inaction of Bridgend Council "doesn't surprise" him.

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Yet the bigger risk of war is from inaction.

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“Whether it’s the next pandemic or foodborne illness outbreak, the cost of inaction is just too high,” she said.

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Related Words

• inactivity www.thesaurus.com
• inertia 
• passivity 
• stagnation