became apathetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became apathetic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in someone's emotional state, indicating that they have lost interest or concern about something. Example: "After years of working in a stressful environment, she became apathetic towards her job and stopped caring about her performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Over time, we stopped appreciating its value, he said, and became apathetic.

The New Yorker

She became apathetic, couldn't get out of bed, lost her appetite and all her confidence: "The minute I was on my own I'd burst into tears.

The Guardian

She became apathetic and depressed, was declared insane on 19 September 1916, and spent time in two lunatic asylums.

Wikipedia

It became apathetic and lethargic and died on March 6.

Plosone

Some became apathetic and less motivated to respond to external clients' needs.

Health Policy and Planning

The patient became apathetic and withdrawn and had short-term memory loss.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

People have become apathetic.

The Guardian - Music

We shrug and become apathetic.

The Guardian

"It's an awful disappointment," he said, adding that he feared voters would become apathetic.

The New York Times

During that time, it's easy for me to become apathetic, to become dismissive of the world, to become bitter.

The New Yorker

A result is that the heavily courted under-25 audience has become apathetic, some might even say discerning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became apathetic" to describe a gradual transition to a state of indifference, rather than a sudden disinterest. It often implies a prior state of engagement or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "became apathetic" to describe short-lived or fleeting moments of disinterest. This phrase best describes a more prolonged shift in attitude or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became apathetic" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a state of apathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes a shift in emotional state, where an individual loses interest or concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became apathetic" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a transition to a state of indifference. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. While not exceedingly common, it's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately represents a gradual loss of interest rather than a sudden disinterest. Alternatives like "grew indifferent" or "lost interest" may offer similar meanings, but with slightly different emphasis. Remember, using this phrase correctly enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became unconcerned

Stresses a lack of worry or interest.

became disinterested

Similar to losing interest, but with a stronger sense of withdrawal.

grew indifferent

Focuses on a gradual loss of interest or concern.

fell into indifference

Suggests a gradual transition to an uncaring state.

lost interest

Emphasizes the disappearance of curiosity or enthusiasm.

grew detached

Emphasizes emotional distance and lack of involvement.

turned listless

Highlights a decline in energy and motivation.

lost motivation

Focuses specifically on the disappearance of the drive to act.

succumbed to apathy

Suggests a yielding to a state of indifference, often after resistance.

became passive

Highlights a shift to inactivity and acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "became apathetic" in a sentence?

You can use "became apathetic" to describe a gradual shift towards indifference. For example: "After the constant rejections, he "became apathetic" towards his job search."

What are some alternatives to "became apathetic"?

Alternatives include "grew indifferent", "lost interest", or "turned listless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became apathy"?

No, it is not correct. "Apathy" is a noun. The correct phrasing is "became apathetic," where "apathetic" is an adjective describing the state of being.

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

"Apathetic" implies a lack of interest or concern, often stemming from a feeling of helplessness or disillusionment. "Indifferent" suggests a lack of preference or emotional investment, but not necessarily a sense of helplessness. Therefore, "became indifferent" may not always be a suitable substitution.