inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
: lack of action or activity : idleness

Examples of inaction in a Sentence

The protesters criticized the administration's inaction on environmental issues. We must consider the consequences of continued inaction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That was when PeerK12 alerted the district to the human swastika display and the inaction of SDA administrators. Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 But that shouldn’t freeze us into inaction. Big Think, 17 Oct. 2025 The governor issued the ban as a result of the inaction of state lawmakers over several months. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025 Durbin, who is set to retire in two years, said the impact of inaction will soon be felt in his home state. Leila Fadel, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaction

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inaction was in 1707

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaction. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inaction

noun
in·​ac·​tion (ˈ)in-ˈak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
: lack of action or activity : idleness

More from Merriam-Webster on inaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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