action
noun
uk/ˈækʃən/ us [ U ]
the process of doing something, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:
take action (to do sth) The report urged industrialised nations to take further action to cut their budget deficits.
action on sth Campaigners say more action is needed on climate change.
call/press for action Unions are pressing for action on the pay dispute.
decisive/drastic/prompt action
The committee was spurred into action by the threat of government cuts.
You need to clearly outline a specific course of action in your business plan.
[ C ]
something that you do, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:
Industry analysts said the company's actions cannot control market prices.
He said that employees must be held accountable for their actions.
[ U ] STOCK MARKET, FINANCE
important things that are happening in a market, etc.:
Fund managers let themselves be carried away by the favorable market action of the shares.
[ C or U ] LAW
a legal process that is decided in a court of law:
civil/court/legal action He threatened legal action to recover the property.
bring an action against sb/sth The purchaser could have brought an action against the vendor under section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act.
put sth into action
to begin working to make an idea or a plan happen or be successful:
We need to put these plans into action in measurable ways, so that employees regain a sense of control over their lives.
an action plan/a plan of action
a way of dealing with a problem or difficult situation, or achieving something:
The Board will devise an action plan to address the problems at the plant.
a piece/slice of the action informal
involvement in something successful that someone else has started:
It's one thing to be a staff attorney and quite another to be an equity partner getting a piece of the action.
See also
affirmative action
class action
direct action
disciplinary action
group action
industrial action
job action
personal action
primary action
right of action
secondary action
strike action
action
verb [ T, usually passive ]
uk/ˈækʃən/ usto do something to deal with a particular task, problem, or plan:
Some of the conclusions and recommendations of the report can be actioned straight away.