inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən 

: lack of action or activity : idleness

protesting the administration's inaction

Synonyms of inaction

• inertia

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

One answer to such questions comes from the recent resignation of BOR Vice Chair Juanita James, who was appointed to head the search for a new CSCU chancellor, and faced her own criticism for alleged inaction over the problems within the BOR. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

The cost of inaction belongs in the investment case alongside the cost of capital. — Rusty Wiley, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The developments follow years of action — and inaction — by the Bears and lawmakers since 2023, when the team bought the Arlington racecourse property for a little over $197 million. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Bass wanted to ensure the review was done by an outside body, hinting at her frustration with the inaction of department leaders and the police commission on addressing the issue. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˈ)in-ˈak-shən 

: lack of action or activity : idleness