inaction
Inaction (noun) means a failure to act; doing nothing when something should be done. Example: “Years of government inaction let the housing crisis get worse.”
How to use inaction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimply not doing anything, especially when action was expected.
Word forms
inactions plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Years of government _____ let the housing crisis get worse.
Etymology
From French inaction, formed from in- plus action.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inaction
Frequently asked questions
What does “inaction” mean?
The word “inaction” means a failure to act; doing nothing when something should be done. In plain terms, simply not doing anything, especially when action was expected.
How do you pronounce “inaction”?
“Inaction” is pronounced ihn-AK-shuhn (/ɪnˈækʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inaction” in a sentence?
Here is “inaction” used in a sentence: “Years of government inaction let the housing crisis get worse.”
What part of speech is “inaction”?
“Inaction” is a noun.
Where does the word “inaction” come from?
The word “inaction” comes from French. From French inaction, formed from in- plus action.
Is “inaction” a common word?
“Inaction” is an uncommon word in modern English.