inaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of action or the state of not doing anything in a particular situation. Example: "The company's inaction in addressing the issue led to further complications and dissatisfaction among customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither am I familiar with the group trauma experienced by the Chibok community, or the thousands of other Nigerians who have been devastated by Boko Haram's unspeakable actions and further victimised by their government's indefensible inaction.

The Guardian

We know a lot about this, and we know the cost of inaction".

The Guardian

Take, for instance, Labour's inaction over the fact that a Sinn Fein Euro election candidate spoke at commemoration for the IRA bomber and Nazi advocate Sean Russell earlier this autumn.

The Guardian

The task of securing such an agreement should not be underestimated, but the costs of inaction will be far greater than those of action.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a Nigerian I would say it boils down to our leaders not valuing the lives of the citizens Zizou007 who said they had "just got back from Nigeria yesterday" pointed to what they see as a "bigger issue of inaction" in tackling the Islamic militant group, which has fought an insurgency since 2009 that is believed to have claimed more than 13,000 lives.

The Guardian

He fears a similar outbreak in another country with weak health systems could result in the same inaction.

The Guardian

Admittedly there are a couple of variables at play – Simon Cowell is no longer the moustache-twirling panto villain of old, and nobody really knows how three years of inaction will affect Cheryl Versini-Fernandez – but in theory it's an exciting combination.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the stalemate in peace talks – neither Netanyahu, Abbas nor Hamas appear ready to concede any point – means American action or inaction is a variable for the first time in decades.

The Guardian

It is time that politicians throughout the UK started to take their obligations to uphold women's rights seriously and face up to the consequences of their action or inaction.

The Guardian - Opinion

The firms have often been accused of inaction.

The Guardian

Inaction and a lack of investment in social care will pass the buck to people with dementia, their families and carers who shoulder two-thirds of dementia's financial burden through care fees and unpaid care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inaction" when you want to emphasize the lack of initiative or activity, especially in situations where action is expected or needed.

Common error

While similar, "inaction" often implies a deliberate choice or failure to act when action is needed, whereas "inactivity" simply describes a state of not being active. Use "inaction" when you want to highlight the negative consequences of not taking action in a specific situation.

Linguistic Context

Inaction functions primarily as a noun, denoting a lack of action or activity. Ludwig examples show its use in criticizing governmental policies and describing a general failure to act in crucial situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Inaction, a noun denoting a lack of action, is deemed grammatically correct and very commonly used, as validated by Ludwig. Analysis reveals that it's frequently employed in news, business, and scientific contexts, often to criticize or highlight the consequences of failing to act. Ludwig examples reveal that while often negative, emphasizing failure to act, sometimes "non-intervention" is a preferred course of action. Alternatives such as "lack of action" and "failure to act" offer similar meanings, while recognizing the subtle difference is important for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of action

This alternative directly states the absence of action, providing a straightforward substitution.

failure to act

Focuses on the omission of an expected or necessary action.

non-intervention

Emphasizes the deliberate choice not to get involved or take action in a particular situation.

passivity

Highlights the state of being inactive and not participating or initiating anything.

inertia

Refers to a tendency to remain unchanged, either in motion or at rest, implying a resistance to taking action.

non-response

Highlights the absence of a reply or reaction to a stimulus or situation.

indecision

Highlights the hesitancy or inability to make a decision, leading to a lack of action.

delay

Indicates a postponement or slowing down of action, rather than a complete absence of it.

standstill

Suggests a complete halt or cessation of activity.

default

Emphasizes a failure to meet an obligation or requirement to act.

FAQs

How to use "inaction" in a sentence?

"Inaction" is a noun that refers to a lack of action or activity. For example, "The government's "inaction" on climate change is concerning" or "His "inaction" led to the project's failure."

What can I say instead of "inaction"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of action", "non-intervention", or "failure to act" depending on the context.

What are the potential consequences of "inaction"?

The consequences of "inaction" can vary depending on the situation, but they often include missed opportunities, worsening problems, and negative impacts on individuals or organizations. Recognizing these potential consequences can help motivate action.

Is "inaction" always negative?

While "inaction" often has negative connotations, there are situations where it may be the most appropriate course of action. Sometimes, taking no action is better than taking the wrong action, especially when more information is needed or when intervening could cause more harm than good.