inaction

/ɪnˈækʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈækʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)i-ˈnak-shən/ (ame, mw)

inaction — noun

1. the choice to do nothing about a problem or situation when something probably sh

1.名詞C1
釋義

the choice to do nothing about a problem or situation when something probably should be done — often criticised as a passive response that lets the trouble get worse.

例句

Many villagers blamed the mayor's inaction for the worsening flood damage along the river.

blamed [someone]'s inaction for [bad outcome]

Years of government inaction on housing have pushed rents in Taipei beyond what young workers can pay.

government inaction on [policy area]

同義詞
  • inactivity

    neutral — just 'no activity', without the moral blame in 'inaction'.

  • passivity

    emphasises a personality trait of accepting events without resisting.

  • idleness

    informal; suggests laziness rather than a failure to address a duty.

反義詞
  • action

    the direct opposite — doing something deliberate about a situation.

  • intervention

    stronger — stepping in specifically to change an outcome.

文法句型

inaction on [issue]

inaction in the face of [crisis]

用法筆記

Almost always uncountable and carries a critical tone — speakers use it to point out that someone should have intervened. Frequently paired with prepositions 'on' (a topic) or 'in the face of' (a crisis), and with possessives naming the responsible party.

常見錯誤

❌The committee took many inactions on the issue.
✅The committee's inaction on the issue went on for months.
💡'inaction' is uncountable; you cannot pluralise it or 'take' one.
❌I was tired so I chose inaction for the afternoon.
✅I was tired so I chose to rest for the afternoon.
💡'inaction' implies a duty was ignored, not simply resting or being idle.