inactivenessn.
/(ˌ)ɪnˈaktɪvnᵻs/, U.S. /ᵻnˈæktɪvnᵻs/ The quality or condition of being inactive; inertia, sluggishness. Cf. inactivity n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > [noun]
sleepc897
restc1175
passibilityc1485
slumber1554
cessation1603
quiescence1625
torpor1626
quiescency1629
inaction1638
inactivity1640
vacation1644
unactiveness1647
non-acting1648
passiveness1648
requiescence1654
unactivity1654
inertness1661
passivity1667
inactiveness1678
unaction1698
stagnation1711
supinity1725
immechanism1740
inertion1756
repose1757
lifelessness1833
stagnancy1837
unawakenedness1879
stasis1920
1678 C. Hatton in E. M. Thompson Corr. Family of Hatton (1878) I. 164 Complaining to ye King of ye weeknesse of ye King's bench, by reason of ye inactivenesse of ye Ld Ch. Justice.
a1737 J. Hutchinson Attempt Explain Œcon. Human Frame (1739) xiv. 131 We find a Coldness in the outward Parts, and a Heaviness or Inactiveness in the whole Body.
1834 Courier 17 Jan. Very few instances of inattention and inactiveness can be attached to the existing clergymen of the Church of England.
1887 Homiletic Rev. Jan. 98/2 It sets the soul free from the lassitude and inactiveness of the body.
1939 Amer. Jrnl. Psychol. 52 60 Benzedrine sulfate increased the..mental work performed, and prevented the development of..inactiveness in continuous, repetitive work.
1987 W. G. Hahn Democracy in Communist Party 330 (note) 48 percent of the 13 percent who left the party in 1982 were ousted for inactiveness or violating discipline.
2003 Weekly Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 22 May 15/1 Retirement should be a time when one withdraws from the everyday grind of business..but by no means a time for seclusion and inactiveness.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2021; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1678