WordValeapathetic
showing no interest or concern
In more detail
not interested in or concerned about things that usually matter to people; not caring about what happens
Examples
- He felt apathetic about his job and didn't try to do well anymore.
How to use apathetic
Apathetic describes a lack of interest or motivation, often with a negative connotation suggesting a failure to care when one should. It differs from indifferent, which is more neutral and can apply to choices between equally acceptable options, whereas apathetic implies a concerning absence of concern or effort.
Common phrases
- apathetic towards
- apathetic about
- seemingly apathetic
- remain apathetic
- apathetic response
Synonyms
indifferent · unconcerned · uninterested · detached · dispassionate
Opposites
passionate · engaged · concerned
Word family
apathy (noun) · apathetically (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use apathetic to mean simply 'calm' or 'peaceful', but it carries a negative judgment about not caring when one should; it is not a synonym for serene or composed.
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