inaction

Everyday

Inaction means not doing anything, especially when something should be done. tree →

In the lessons

In news and citizenship lessons, people criticise «inaction on climate change» when governments do not act. In ethics, choosing inaction is still a choice with consequences: if you see bullying and do nothing, your inaction matters. In stories, a character's inaction can lead to disaster. Phrases: a period of inaction, inaction on, criticised for inaction.

Examples

• The council was criticised for its inaction over the potholes. tree →
• Inaction on pollution harms the planet. tree →
• His inaction let the problem grow worse. tree →
• After weeks of inaction, the team finally made a plan. tree →
• Sometimes inaction is the safest choice, like waiting for help. tree →
• Doing nothing when a friend is bullied is a kind of inaction. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Formal. «In-» means not; inaction is the opposite of action. Not the same as «inactive» (an adjective).