action
action Lexical Profile
action Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A specific thing done by a person; an intentional act or deed.
"Every individual must take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others."
The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve a specific aim or address a problem.
"The environmental committee demanded immediate action to reduce carbon emissions across the city."
Exciting, fast-paced, or dramatic events, either in real life or as depicted in fiction and film.
"Audiences flocked to the theater for the thrilling action and elaborate stunt sequences."
A formal legal proceeding or lawsuit brought by one party against another in a court of law.
"The software company initiated a civil action against its former partner for breach of contract."
The internal operating mechanism of a machine, timepiece, or musical instrument such as a piano.
"The technician carefully adjusted the piano's action so the keys would respond evenly to a light touch."
• interjection
Used by a film or television director to command the camera crew and actors to begin filming or performing a scene.
"The director waited for the studio to fall silent before calling out, "Lights, camera, action!""
• verb
To take practical steps to deal with, process, or implement a specific task, request, or proposal (used chiefly in business and administrative contexts).
"Please ensure that all high-priority support tickets are actioned before the end of the business day."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a transitive verb ('to action a request'), the word is primarily restricted to corporate, administrative, and project-management jargon, where many style guides prefer standard verbs such as 'address', 'execute', or 'implement'.
• Rhymes for action
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'accion', which derives from Latin 'actio' ('a putting in motion, a doing, or a legal suit'), from the verb 'agere' ('to do, drive, or set in motion').