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Inaction: meaning, definitions and examples

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inaction

 

[ ɪnˈækʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lack of movement

Inaction refers to the state of not taking any action or not moving forward. It can be a result of indecision, procrastination, or simply a lack of motivation. Inaction can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation.

Synonyms

idleness, inactivity, lethargy, passivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inaction

Similar to 'inaction,' but more neutral and less formal. Used to describe the lack of physical or mental activity.

  • Her inactivity during the project was surprising.
  • The inactivity of animals during hibernation is fascinating.
passivity

Implies a tendency to accept situations without trying to change them, can have a negative connotation.

  • Her passivity in meetings frustrated her colleagues.
  • Passivity can hinder personal growth and development.
idleness

Refers to a state of not working or being busy. Often implies laziness or a lack of productivity.

  • His idleness caused him to fall behind on his work.
  • The idleness of the workers during the downtime was concerning.
lethargy

Describes a state of being sluggish or having a lack of energy, often used in medical or health-related contexts.

  • The medication left him in a state of lethargy.
  • Lethargy can be a symptom of many illnesses.

Examples of usage

  • His inaction on the matter only made the situation worse.
  • The company's inaction resulted in losing a major client.
  • She regretted her inaction when she saw the consequences of not speaking up.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of progress

Inaction can also refer to the lack of progress or development in a particular situation or project. It often stems from a lack of initiative or leadership. Inaction in this sense can hinder growth and success.

Synonyms

inertia, stagnation, stalemate, standstill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inaction

Another form of 'inaction' also used to describe a lack of action or activity.

  • The student's inaction on their assignments resulted in lower grades
  • Despite the warnings, the company's inaction to address the issues led to major losses
stagnation

Implies a period of little or no growth or development, often used in an economic or business context.

  • The economy is suffering from stagnation, with no significant growth observed
  • Stagnation in the team’s performance has become a serious issue
standstill

Refers to a complete stop in movement or progress, often used in the context of traffic or other dynamic processes.

  • The traffic came to a standstill due to the accident
  • The project is at a standstill until we receive further instructions
stalemate

Describes a situation where further action or progress is impossible, often used in negotiations or competitions.

  • The negotiations ended in a stalemate, with neither side willing to compromise
  • The chess match reached a stalemate with no clear winner
inertia

Refers to a lack of movement or change, often due to resistance to change or a tendency to remain unchanged.

  • The company's inertia in adopting new technologies put it at a disadvantage
  • Overcoming inertia is crucial for personal growth

Examples of usage

  • The project suffered from inaction as no one took the lead.
  • The government's inaction on climate change is causing serious consequences.
  • His inaction in addressing the issue delayed the resolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "inaction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inação

🇮🇳 निष्क्रियता

🇩🇪 Untätigkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakaktifan

🇺🇦 бездіяльність

🇵🇱 bezczynność

🇯🇵 不作為

🇫🇷 inaction

🇪🇸 inacción

🇹🇷 eylemsizlik

🇰🇷 무활동

🇸🇦 عدم الفعل

🇨🇿 nečinnost

🇸🇰 nečinnosť

🇨🇳 无所作为

🇸🇮 neaktivnost

🇮🇸 aðgerðarleysi

🇰🇿 әрекетсіздік

🇬🇪 უმოქმედობა

🇦🇿 hərəkətsizlik

🇲🇽 inacción

Etymology

The word 'inaction' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'action'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of inaction has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting its impact on decision-making and outcomes.

See also: actions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,513, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.