nonfeasance Definition
failure to do something that a person is supposed to do as part of their job or official duty, especially when this causes harm to someone else.
Using nonfeasance: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nonfeasance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor was sued for nonfeasance after failing to diagnose the patient's condition.
Example
The mayor was criticized for nonfeasance in handling the city's budget crisis.
Example
The police officer was accused of nonfeasance for not responding to the emergency call.
nonfeasance Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for nonfeasance
Antonyms for nonfeasance
- performance
- fulfillment
- execution
Phrases with nonfeasance
a failure to perform an official duty or obligation
Example
The government official was charged with official nonfeasance for failing to take action on the environmental issue.
a legal term referring to a public official's failure to perform a required duty or willful neglect of duty
Example
The governor was impeached for nonfeasance in office due to his mishandling of the state's finances.
a failure to act when there is a legal obligation to do so, resulting in harm or injury to another person
Example
The police officer was charged with criminal nonfeasance for not intervening in a domestic violence situation.
Origins of nonfeasance
from Old French 'nonfaire', meaning 'not to do'
Summary: nonfeasance in Brief
The term 'nonfeasance' [nɒnˈfiːzəns] refers to the failure to perform a required duty or obligation, particularly in a professional or official capacity, resulting in harm or injury to others. Examples include a doctor failing to diagnose a patient's condition or a police officer not responding to an emergency call. Synonyms include 'neglect,' 'dereliction,' and 'default.'