Word
inaction
Phoneticsin·ac·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈnækʃən/
UK/ɪnˈækʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The government's inaction led to a serious crisis.”
contextual
“After months of inaction from the landlord, the tenants decided to fix the broken heating system themselves.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Typically used in the singular; often paired with the preposition 'on' or 'regarding' to specify the subject of the delay.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From French inaction. Morphologically in- + action.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inaction