Inaction

/ɪnˈækʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
the lack of action or activity; the state of not acting or being inactive.
His inaction during the crisis was widely criticized.
a choice to do nothing, often in response to a situation that requires a decision.
The inaction of the committee led to the project's failure.
the absence of effort or exertion.
The team's inaction allowed their rivals to take the lead in the competition.

Etymology

From the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'action' from Latin 'actio'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

paralysis by analysis:
Inaction due to overthinking or too much analysis.
action speaks louder than words:
What one does is more important than what one says.
to sit on one's hands:
To do nothing or remain inactive.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Netflix and chill
They decided to just Netflix and chill instead of going out.
procrastination
His procrastination on the project was a clear case of inaction.