Words / C1

in-AKSHUN/ɪnˈækʃn/

Inaction is failure to do anything when action is needed: criticised for inaction, a period of inaction. Action (already in the dictionary) sits opposite; delay is milder if something is still planned. Leaving the night cell blank is not a holding line.

Meaning

Failure to do anything, especially when action is needed.

Examples

• “Inaction on the spare list is a cover failure, not “stability”.”
• “Inaction on the empty night cell is a methods hole, not a holding line.”
• “Passivity is the close twin. Delay can still have a date. A holding line is comms. A cell is a count. Fill the cell, or date the plan to fill it; do not baptise the blank as strategy.”

Good to know

Failure to act. Opposite: action (already in the dictionary). A holding line ≠ a filled cell.

Near in meaning

passivity, inertia

New