inaction in the face of

/ɪˈnækʃən ɪn ðə feɪs ɒv/

failure to act despite awareness

The government's inaction in the face of the crisis shocked the public.

The government did nothing despite knowing about the crisis, which surprised people.

formal

A lack of response or action when confronted with a situation that requires attention or intervention.

Critics condemned the company's inaction in the face of rising safety concerns.

People criticized the company for not addressing safety issues that were getting worse.

Her inaction in the face of bullying made her seem indifferent.

Because she didn't respond to bullying, people thought she didn't care.

This phrase often implies criticism or disapproval of the lack of action.

Collocations

inaction in the face offailure to respond to a serious situation

to ignore a problem or wrongdoing

to do nothing while something bad happens

This phrase is usually negative, implying that action was expected or necessary.

Use this phrase when describing a serious situation where action was required but not taken.

Derived from the combination of 'inaction' (lack of action) and 'in the face of' (when confronted with).

This phrase is often used to criticize someone or something for not taking action when they should have.

inaction

lack of action

root

in the face of

when confronted with

phrase

English Dictionary