action

[ˈækʃn]

action Definition

• 1. the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty
• 2. something that is done, especially to achieve a particular result
• 3. exciting or dramatic activity

Using action: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "action" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  We need to take action to solve this problem.

• Example

  The government's action on climate change has been criticized.

• Example

  The movie was full of action and adventure.

• Example

  He saw some action during the war.

action Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for action

• activity
• operation
• movement
• work
• deed

Antonyms for action

• inaction
• inactivity

Idioms Using action

• actions speak louder than words

  what someone does is more important than what they say they will do

  Example

  He promised to help me, but I haven't seen any action from him yet. Actions speak louder than words.

• get in on the action

  to become involved in an exciting or interesting activity

  Example

  I heard there's a new restaurant opening downtown. I want to get in on the action and try it out.

• see action

  to participate in a military operation or battle

  Example

  He joined the army hoping to see action, but he never left the base.

Phrases with action

• put something into action

  to start using a plan or idea

  Example

  We need to put our new marketing strategy into action.

• take action against someone

  to do something to punish or stop someone who has done something wrong

  Example

  The company is planning to take legal action against the employee who leaked confidential information.

• in action

  being used or demonstrated

  Example

  I've never seen this machine in action before.

Origins of action

from Latin 'actio', meaning 'a doing'

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Summary: action in Brief

The term 'action' [ˈækʃn] refers to the process of doing something, often to solve a problem or achieve a result. It can also mean something that is done, or exciting and dramatic activity. Phrases like 'put something into action' and 'take action against someone' use 'action' to denote starting a plan or punishing someone. Idioms like 'actions speak louder than words' and 'get in on the action' suggest that what someone does is more important than what they say, and that getting involved in exciting activities is desirable.