inaction

noun

in·​ac·​tion (ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən How to pronounce inaction (audio)
Synonyms of inactionnext
: lack of action or activity : idleness
protesting the administration's inaction

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.
Boston city councilors and transit advocates hammered the Wu administration for delaying transportation projects, saying that its inaction has cost the city millions in federal grant funding and put cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 The cost of inaction is not abstract. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 But state responsibility cannot become an excuse for city inaction while workers continue to suffer. Christopher Marte, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 School Board member Jeff Holness said inaction is not an option in dealing with the accumulating problem of under-enrollment. Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 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 26 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster