non-action

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A failure or decision not to do anything when action is expected or possible.

   Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural: the government's non-action, not 'a non-action'.

   Patterns

   • non-action on something
   • the non-action of someone

   Critics blamed the city's non-action on housing for the growing crisis.

   Her non-action during the meeting surprised everyone who expected her to object.

   The report describes years of non-action by officials who knew about the problem.

2. 2noununcountable

   A lack of physical movement or activity; a state of not acting.

   Grammar: Often used in contrast with 'action': a choice between action and non-action.

   Patterns

   • a state of non-action
   • choose non-action

   In meditation, non-action means letting thoughts pass without responding to them.

   The film's long scenes of non-action divided audiences.

   Sometimes non-action is wiser than a rushed response.

Common combinations

a policy of non-action

The board adopted a policy of non-action until the investigation ended.

criticize someone's non-action

Voters criticized the mayor's non-action on traffic safety.

years of non-action

Years of non-action left the bridge in dangerous condition.

non-action by the government

The delay was caused by non-action by the government.

Synonyms and how they differ

inaction

The more common and neutral word; 'non-action' often sounds more deliberate or critical.

passivity

Focuses on a personal attitude of not resisting or reacting, rather than a specific failure to act.

Opposites

Word family

non-actionable adjective

Not able to be acted on; not giving a practical basis for action.

Commonly confused: non-action or inaction?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “non-action”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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