apathetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'apathetic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person who is not enthusiastic or passionate about anything. For example, "Sam has been feeling apathetic lately, barely showing any interest in his hobbies or relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the run-up to the general election, young people were branded the politically apathetic generation by the media.

The Guardian

Benolas Tippet, a master's student at LSE, says: "It's the stereotype that young people are apathetic.

The Guardian

A lot of the apathetic responses were rooted in frustrations with the electoral system - what's the point of voting, when you live in a seat safe for a party you disagree with?

The Guardian

But, apart from Darling's backtracking on the death tax, there were no bombshells and little to stop the apathetic voter switching to Coronation Street, EastEnders or Raymond Blanc's kitchen secrets.

The Guardian

After all, we might be apathetic and lazy, but at least this campaign will be over in three and a bit weeks.

The Guardian

"Not wanting to sing about politics isn't an excuse to be apathetic, or not have a stance," he responded this week.

The Guardian - Music

Are you a certainty to vote, or are you apathetic?

The Guardian

As a young person, it can be frustrating when we're continually told how apathetic we are, with our voices seemingly ignored, however I hope this will change in the future.

The Guardian

You might think Mohamed is an unusual case, an outlier in a nation of apathetic young people disengaged from politics and uninterested in the world around them.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are not apathetic, they are alienated, and this is what the occupation showed.

The Guardian

Public protests, although big by Ukraine's apathetic standards, are nothing like those that swept the communists out of power in central Europe ten years ago.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group as "apathetic", consider specifying the cause or object of their apathy to provide context and avoid generalization.

Common error

Apathy signifies a lack of interest or concern, not necessarily negative feelings. Ensure that using the word "apathetic" accurately reflects the absence of emotion rather than active opposition or aversion.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "apathetic" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its adjectival nature and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "apathetic" is an adjective used to describe a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Ludwig AI validates that the word is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business. When using "apathetic", it is essential to specify the cause or object of the apathy to provide better context and avoid making generalizations. Alternatives include "indifferent", "unconcerned", and "uninterested".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indifferent

Indicates a lack of concern or interest, similar to "apathetic" but can also imply impartiality.

unconcerned

Emphasizes the absence of worry or anxiety, differing slightly from "apathetic" which focuses on a lack of emotion.

uninterested

Highlights a lack of curiosity or engagement, a more specific form of apathy.

detached

Suggests an emotional distance or lack of involvement, implying a conscious separation.

complacent

Implies a sense of self-satisfaction and a lack of motivation to improve, adding a layer of passivity.

lethargic

Focuses on a lack of energy and enthusiasm, emphasizing physical or mental sluggishness.

listless

Describes a lack of enthusiasm and energy, often due to sadness or illness.

passive

Highlights a lack of active participation or resistance, suggesting a yielding attitude.

unresponsive

Indicates a lack of reaction or communication, focusing on a failure to engage.

blasé

Suggests a jaded indifference, often due to overexposure or a sense of superiority.

FAQs

How to use "apathetic" in a sentence?

You can use "apathetic" to describe someone who shows a lack of interest or enthusiasm. For example, "The students were "apathetic" towards the school election".

What can I say instead of "apathetic"?

You can use alternatives like "indifferent", "unconcerned", or "uninterested" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "apathetic" and "lethargic"?

"Apathetic" refers to a lack of interest or emotion, while "lethargic" implies a lack of energy or physical motivation. You can be "apathetic" without being tired, and "lethargic" without being disinterested.

Is it correct to say someone is "apathetic" about everything?

While possible, it's more common and nuanced to specify what someone is "apathetic" about. Saying someone is generally "apathetic" can be a generalization. Consider specifying what they lack interest in.