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nonreaction

nonreaction

1 6.6
A lack of response when something happens
  • noun
  • /ˌnɒnriˈækʃən/
translation icon : no reacción

Examples

  • There was a moment of silence, a nonreaction that made Krzakwa wonder if they'd heard him, if his statement had somehow failed to penetrate their consciousness.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Bascal seemed to take this nonreaction personally; his easy stride broke into a trot, and he uttered a quiet, ululating sort of war cry and made an overhand "follow me" gesture to the boys behind him.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • After witnessing the shocking news, her nonreaction surprised everyone in the room.

  • The team's nonreaction to the criticism highlighted their confidence in their strategy.

  • His nonreaction to the unexpected question indicated that he was unfazed by the challenge.

Synonyms

unresponsiveness
vsnonreaction
1 7.3

Not reacting to people or events, often without emotion

refers simply to absence of response regardless of speed or feeling
irresponsiveness
vsnonreaction
6.6

Not replying or reacting when someone tries to contact you

applies more generally to no response to events or stimuli

Antonyms

1.0

A written or spoken answer to a question

925 2.6

An immediate feeling after hearing or seeing something

How Reactive

reaction
925 2.6
nonreaction
1 6.6

Surface Forms

nonreaction singular
nonreactions plural

Morphology

nonreaction = reaction (transparent) = non + reaction

The word 'nonreaction' is clearly derived from 'reaction' with the prefix 'non-' indicating absence.

Etymology

The word nonreaction is made of non- meaning 'not' and reaction, from react, which is like action and means 'to respond'. So a nonreaction is simply 'not responding' or a lack of response to something.