apathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'apathy' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to express a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern in something. For example: "The apathy of the voters towards the election was startling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is much worse than apathy: a sort of emotional CJD.

The Guardian

For goodness' sake, we can't even tell the difference between disappointed loathing and apathy - when any reasonable person knows there is no difference - they're one and the same thing and should both be ignored.

The Guardian

First, Manchester, where apathy doesn't come close to describing the feeling gripping people in Moss Side.

The Guardian

You could be a financial manager lamenting the apathy of those in your profession towards cuts to the health service, or a doctor who has experienced compassion-less care where staff won't even call you by your name.

The Guardian

By March 2005, only a short, sharp shock - and the dramatic reorganisation that followed - could have prevented a further descent into apathy and the chronic acceptance of underachievement.

The Guardian

Here's how the Daily Mail have reported the findings: The overwhelming apathy about gay marriage was revealed in the first online poll of gay, lesbian and bisexual people on the issue.

The Guardian

The general election attracted the lowest ever turnout of voters and, if any further proof of apathy were needed, audiences for election results programmes have plummeted over the past decade, according to new research.

The Guardian

I have struggled to grasp the reasons for this apathy among finance staff.

The Guardian

For those with the privilege of voting in such an historic day, I implore you not to let apathy rule, and to use your vote so we can be proud of the country we all call home.

The Guardian

A lot has been made of the widespread apathy towards the political system in the north of Ireland.

The Guardian

Because these feelings have been my constant companions throughout most of May and into June and I am reliably informed by every possible source that each one of these emotions is simply a form of apathy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or political issues, use "apathy" to pinpoint the root cause of inaction or stagnation. For instance, highlight how voter apathy affects election outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "apathy" when you mean "sympathy". "Apathy" denotes a lack of feeling, while "sympathy" means understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

Linguistic Context

Apathy primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of indifference or lack of emotion. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a complete absence of motivation or enthusiasm towards a person, object, or activity. The examples provided illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apathy" is a noun denoting a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically straightforward, confusing it with "sympathy" should be avoided. When writing about societal or political disengagement, employing "apathy" can highlight a critical issue. Semantically related alternatives include "indifference", "lack of interest", and "emotional detachment", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indifference

Emphasizes a lack of concern or feeling towards something.

lack of interest

Directly states the absence of curiosity or engagement.

lack of concern

Highlights the absence of worry or care about something.

emotional detachment

Focuses on the separation from feelings or emotions.

passivity

Indicates a state of inaction or acceptance without resistance.

unresponsiveness

Highlights a failure to react or respond to stimuli.

lethargy

Implies a state of fatigue and reduced energy or motivation.

torpor

Suggests a state of inactivity, often associated with sleep or hibernation.

listlessness

Describes a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

ennui

Conveys a feeling of dissatisfaction and boredom arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "apathy" in a sentence?

You can use "apathy" to describe a lack of interest or concern. For example, "The widespread "indifference" among the students was concerning."

What's the difference between "apathy" and "indifference"?

"Apathy" implies a lack of feeling or emotion, while "indifference" suggests a lack of concern or interest. The subtle difference lies in the emotional depth.

What are some alternatives to using the word "apathy"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of interest", "lack of concern", or "emotional detachment" depending on the specific context.

Is "apathy" a negative term?

Yes, "apathy" generally carries a negative connotation as it describes a state of disinterest or lack of motivation, which is often seen as undesirable, especially in situations requiring action or engagement.