I am indisposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am indisposed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that you are unwell or unable to attend to something. Example: "I am indisposed and cannot attend the meeting today." Alternative expressions include "I am unwell" and "I am unable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, I declined Mr. Christopher's invitation with the flimsy excuse that I was indisposed and needed treatment at a place outside Beijing.

The New York Times

Though it pains you to do so, avert your eyes from the door to avoid catching a glimpse of me when I'm indisposed.

The New Yorker

[Weinberger] was handicapped by the fact that Washington was sensitive about his teeth until quite late in life and even to his diary would say only "I was indisposed today" when he had had a toothache, or "Stayed at home today" when he'd really remained there to receive a dentist.

The New Yorker

I was unable to chat to another of the locals – Niccals's profoundly damaged colleague 2D, who I was told was indisposed throughout my visit.

The Guardian - Music

I behaved quite normally that evening though at the end, when he asked if Minn would welcome a visit from Bubl, I replied smoothly that she was indisposed.

The Guardian

Full disclosure: I chaired the lecture, stepping in at the last moment because the original chair, Steve Hewlett, was indisposed.

The Guardian

Her subject, she says, is indisposed.

The New York Times - Books

The devil, on that afternoon, was indisposed.

The Guardian

But on this occasion, both Miranda and Muñoz were indisposed.

The New Yorker

The company will say only that she is "indisposed".

The New York Times

Maid announced mistress was indisposed, having executive ability.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using it as a sophisticated euphemism for being busy or otherwise occupied without being rude.

Common error

Do not use "I am indisposed" if you mean you are uninterested in something. The term relates specifically to your physical state or immediate availability, not your emotional preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am indisposed" functions as a predicative adjective phrase where the adjective "indisposed" describes the state of the subject. According to Ludwig, it serves as a formal declaration of status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am indisposed" is a classic, high-register English expression used to politely indicate that one is unable to attend an event or perform a duty, usually due to minor illness or being otherwise occupied. Analysis from Ludwig shows that it is a preferred term in formal journalism and historical accounts because it provides a respectful shield of privacy. While perfectly correct and widely understood, it may feel overly stiff in modern text messaging or very casual settings, where "I'm sick" or "I'm busy" would be more common. Overall, it remains a valuable tool for writers needing a professional euphemism for absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am indisposed today

Adds a temporal constraint to the original phrase

I am unwell

Provides a slightly more direct indication of physical illness

I am not feeling well

A common, neutral alternative used in everyday speech

I am under the weather

A more idiomatic and less formal way to say one is sick

I am unable to attend

Standard business phrasing for declining invitations

I am unavailable

Focuses on the state of being unreachable rather than the cause

I am tied up

Implies being busy with other tasks rather than being ill

I am currently incapacitated

Much stronger, suggesting a total inability to function

I am out of sorts

A British idiom suggesting general malaise or grumpiness

I am poorly

Informal and regional (mainly UK) way to express sickness

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I am indisposed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I am unwell", "I am busy" or the more idiomatic "I am under the weather".

Is it correct to say "I am indisposed" in a business email?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. As noted in examples from Ludwig, it is a polite and professional way to say you are unable to fulfill a commitment or take a call.

Does "I am indisposed" always mean I am sick?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a mild illness, it can also mean you are simply busy or otherwise prevented from attending, as seen in historical and news examples from Ludwig.

How do you pronounce indisposed?

It is pronounced in-dis-POZED, with the emphasis on the third syllable.