inaction
n.a lack of action when something should be done. You use this word when someone stays still or does nothing in a situation that needs a response.
n.the state of not taking action or the failure to act when appropriate. Often carries a negative connotation of negligence or hesitation in the face of a problem.
“The government's inaction led to a serious crisis.”
“After months of inaction from the landlord, the tenants decided to fix the broken heating system themselves.”
“Historians often debate whether the leader's inaction was a calculated strategic move to let the situation resolve itself or a genuine failure of political will during a time of upheaval.”
Typically used in the singular; often paired with the preposition 'on' or 'regarding' to specify the subject of the delay.
“Hope Not Hate’s founder, Nick Lowles, said that this was “clearly the consequence of the inaction from the police”.”
“The cost of inaction is a lot higher, at least $878 billion a year.”
From French inaction. Morphologically in- + action.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.