couldn't care less

USAGE SUMMARY

"couldn't care less" is a phrase that is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used when expressing an extreme lack of interest in something. For example, "I really couldn't care less what they think about me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Barry couldn't care less.

The New Yorker

Most couldn't care less.

The New York Times

I couldn't care less".

The New York Times - Sports

She couldn't care less.

The New York Times

Others couldn't care less.

The New York Times

Braff, however, couldn't care less.

Independent

Personally, I couldn't care less.

Independent

But I couldn't care less.

The Guardian

"I honestly couldn't care less".

Independent

"They couldn't care less anymore".

The New Yorker

Actual voters couldn't care less.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couldn't care less" to express a strong lack of interest or concern about something. It is often used in informal contexts but can also appear in more formal writing when conveying a dismissive attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "could care less", as it implies you have at least some level of care. "Couldn't care less" means you have absolutely no concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couldn't care less" functions as an idiomatic expression to express a complete lack of interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couldn't care less" is a correct and very common idiomatic expression used to express a complete lack of interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and highlights its frequent occurrence in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to convey strong indifference, and avoid the common mistake of saying "could care less", which has the opposite meaning. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "don't give a damn" or "I'm indifferent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't care at all

A direct and straightforward way to express a complete lack of interest.

could not be bothered

This phrase conveys a similar sense of indifference, emphasizing a reluctance to expend effort or attention.

I couldn't be less interested

Emphasizes a very low level of interest, similar to "couldn't care less" but more explicit.

don't give a damn

This is a more emphatic and potentially offensive way to express a complete lack of concern.

I'm indifferent

Expresses a neutral attitude, lacking preference or concern.

have no interest in

This phrase expresses a lack of curiosity or engagement, indicating a neutral stance rather than active disinterest.

it's all the same to me

This indicates that different outcomes or choices have equal value or impact to the speaker, showing indifference.

not my problem

This phrase dismisses responsibility or concern, focusing on detachment from the issue.

it makes no difference to me

This highlights that a particular event or decision will not affect the speaker's situation or feelings.

it's of no concern to me

Indicates that something is not within the speaker's area of worry or responsibility.

FAQs

How to use "couldn't care less" in a sentence?

Use "couldn't care less" to express a complete lack of interest or concern. For example, "I "couldn't care less" about the outcome of the game."

What can I say instead of "couldn't care less"?

You can use alternatives like "don't give a damn", "not my problem", or "I'm indifferent depending on the context.

Which is correct, "couldn't care less" or "could care less"?

"Couldn't care less" is the correct form to express a complete lack of concern. "Could care less" implies you have at least some level of care, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.

What's the nuance of using "couldn't care less"?

The phrase ""couldn't care less"" is used to express a very strong feeling of indifference, stronger than simply saying "I don't care". It often implies a dismissive attitude.