不作為|ふさくいfusakui[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. noun, lawforbearance; omission; nonfeasance; inaction

• Related沈滞ちんたいWrittenWritten word for stagnation: a dull, immobile state lacking vitality, as in 「景気の沈滞」. Used of situations, not of failing to do what one should.
• Related不活発ふかっぱつNeutralNeutral word for being sluggish and lifeless; describes a state of low activity, not the legal idea of failing to do what one should.
• Related不活動ふかつどうWrittenWritten/formal word for a state of doing nothing or being inactive; applies to people, organizations, even volcanoes. Not the legal notion of failing to act.
• Antonym作為さくいWrittenWritten legal term for actively committing an act, even negligently — the opposite of 「不作為」; also means artificiality or contrivance.

Use 「不作為」 for failing to do what one should — written, common in law and administration, as in 「行政の不作為」 or 「不作為犯」. For mere lack of activity pick 「不活発」, for stagnant situations 「沈滞」; 「作為」 is the legal opposite, an act actually committed.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 積極的せっきょくてきに行動こうどうをしないこと。すべきことをしないこと。