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

Synonyms of inaction

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Examples of inaction in a Sentence

The protesters criticized the administration's inaction on environmental issues. We must consider the consequences of continued inaction.
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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.
The Giants appeared to make some kind of point with Skattebo’s inaction. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The price of inaction and, conversely, the benefits of robust due diligence are much harder to measure. — Ben Vanpeperstraete, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The mother of a foster child who died in the state's care in 2025 is suing the governor and other officials and accusing them of inaction and multiple failures that led to her vulnerable daughter's death. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 These spots are produced by Yellow Dot, a non-profit production studio founded by McKay to fight back against climate disinformation and inaction. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 21 Oct. 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

Rhymes for inaction

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Browse Nearby Words

in a coon's age
inaction
inactivate
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Cite this Entry

“Inaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaction. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inaction

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