Which of the following refers to the act of avoiding activity or neglecting duties?

• A. Commission
• B. Omission
• C. Negligence
• D. Malfeasance

Answer: (B)

The term that accurately describes the act of avoiding activity or neglecting duties is omission. Omission refers to the failure to take an action that is necessary, resulting in a lack of fulfillment of responsibility. It often implies a passive form of wrongdoing, where something important is not done, leading to consequences that can affect others.

In contrast, commission refers to taking an action, particularly one that results in harm or violates a duty. Negligence involves a failure to take proper care in doing something, which can lead to unintentional harm, but it applies more broadly than just the failure to act. Malfeasance involves the commission of an illegal act, typically by someone in a position of authority, rather than simply neglecting a duty. Thus, omission is the most precise choice to reflect the idea of avoiding activity or neglecting duties.