In parliamentary terms, what is the status of a motion that receives no second?

• A. Adopted
• B. Seconded
• C. Lost
• D. Amended

Answer: (C)

In parliamentary procedure, a motion must receive a second in order to be considered further. If no one seconds the motion, it cannot be debated or put to a vote. The chair typically declares it dead for lack of a second, meaning it won’t be acted upon. This is why the motion is described as lost—there wasn’t enough support to move it forward. The other possibilities don’t fit because a motion isn’t simply “adopted” without a vote, and it isn’t merely “seconded” as a status, nor does it become “amended” without first being eligible for discussion.