inaction

[ in-ak-shuhn ]

/ ɪnˈæk ʃən /

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noun

absence of action; idleness.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of inaction

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

Words nearby inaction

in absentia, inaccessible, inaccuracy, inaccurate, in a cold sweat, inaction, inactivate, inactive, in addition, inadequacy, inadequate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inaction in a sentence

One night, frustrated with inaction and disgusted with fossil fuel use, he sat at his computer and calculated the sources of all his own emissions so he could go about reducing them.
The Climate Crisis Is Worse Than You Can Imagine. Here’s What Happens If You Try.|by Elizabeth Weil|January 25, 2021|ProPublica
The government stimulus that kept millions of Americans from falling into poverty earlier in the pandemic is long gone, and new aid is still a dot on the horizon after months of congressional inaction.
Stealing to survive: More Americans are shoplifting food as aid runs out during the pandemic|Abha Bhattarai, Hannah Denham|December 10, 2020|Washington Post
However, the consequences of inaction were even more terrifying.
How the Truman Doctrine transformed America’s role in the world|A.J. Baime|December 4, 2020|Washington Post
Still, the rapid mobilization of support shows how lawmakers from both parties are trying to come up with a compromise quickly after months of inaction.
Momentum builds for bipartisan $908 billion stimulus package as more GOP senators express support|Jeff Stein, Mike DeBonis, Seung Min Kim|December 3, 2020|Washington Post

The last two weekly unemployment reports show further worrisome signs, as new unemployment claims rose, and economists say further inaction from Congress in the face of a public health crisis could derail the fledgling recovery.
U.S. hiring slowed in November as coronavirus cases surged, ADP report says|Hamza Shaban|December 2, 2020|Washington Post
Fuming Iranian officials blamed the United States and United Kingdom for backing the militants, and Pakistan for inaction.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan|Umar Farooq|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There should be no more excuses for inaction on violence against women.
The Hidden Link Between Women and War|Leith Greenslade|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After acknowledging that there has been a “bend in the curve” and a reason to hope, he warned against inaction.
Millions Promised for Ebola Not Adding Up|Abby Haglage|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The report also showed that the cost of preventing violence is far less expensive than the cost of inaction.
How Your Company Can End Violence Against Girls|Gary Cohen|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Will inaction lead to a more deeply entrench conflict—more violence and death—or will the problem go away on its own?
One Former Hostage Says Negotiate With ISIS, And Pay Ransoms If You Must|Sarah Shourd|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Their apparent inaction most wondered, very many murmured, some were alarmed, and Mr O'Connell laughed at.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
If nothing is done during infancy inaction operates generally as an affirmation.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
But even while chiding the Earl for inaction, Perrott admitted that want of provisions was a fair excuse.
Ireland Under the Tudors, Vol. II (of 3)|Richard Bagwell
Suddenly reduced to enforced inaction, David felt his strong and valiant soul bow beneath the weight of a great despair.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue
He takes a pleasure in work; is happy inaction; and hates both clerical and secular indifference.
Our Churches and Chapels|Atticus

British Dictionary definitions for inaction

inaction

/ (ɪnˈækʃən) /

noun

lack of action; idleness; inertia

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

inaction

Origin of inaction

Words nearby inaction

Words related to inaction

How to use inaction in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inaction