Meaning of the word "if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" in English

What does "if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem

US /ɪf ju ɑːr nɑːt pɑːrt əv ðə səˈluːʃən, ju ɑːr pɑːrt əv ðə ˈprɑːbləm/
UK /ɪf ju ə nɒt pɑːt əv ðə səˈluːʃən, ju ə pɑːt əv ðə ˈprɒbləm/
"if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" picture

Idiom

used to say that if you do not help to improve a situation, you are making it worse by your inaction or indifference

Example:
We need everyone to volunteer; remember, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
Stop complaining about the mess and help us clean; if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.