indisposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indisposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a state of being unwell or unable to perform usual activities, often in a formal or medical context. Example: "Due to her indisposition, she was unable to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We cannot know yet the exact nature of his indisposition; his sudden departure suggests a serious setback.

The Guardian - Sport

At 83, he has been in charge of Cuba for almost a decade, after the indisposition of his elder brother Fidel.

The Guardian

The reason for his indisposition was a swarm of honey bees that had attacked him in his bathroom, while he was getting out of the bath.

The New Yorker

Severe indisposition; patient able to walk only while bent over and moaning.

The New Yorker

It was announced from the stage that he was suffering from "vocal indisposition" but had been treated by a physician and would, with the audience's indulgence, sing Act III, as he did valiantly.

The New York Times - Arts

Apart from Israel's current war of words with Syria, Israel's indisposition to withdraw from all the Golan Heights is as big an impediment as its insistence on expanding settlements in the West Bank.

The New York Times

He has just heard his wife coolly agreeing to a life of indentured servitude, but he's more put out by the inconvenience of Sam's indisposition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

On the contrary, as Kahn notes, in the late nineteenth century, Coca-Cola often touted its signature product's health benefits: "Coke has been advertised as a 'remarkable therapeutic agent,' a 'sovereign remedy,' and a cure for, among other indispositions, headaches, neuralgia, hysteria, melancholy, insomnia, biliousness, and spring fever".

The New Yorker

Her health seems to have been fine for most of this trip, no matter that she was always prone to fever, fainting fits, and what Nagel, in the main a great admirer, calls "neurotic indispositions".

The New Yorker

I cheered the other day when Antonio Pappano vented some of his frustration about the opera stars who torment him with their capricious cancellations and imaginary indispositions and changes of mind about what repertory they'll deign to perform.

The Guardian - Opinion

He begins with the trivial and moves to more serious objections, first comparing the inconveniences of motherhood to such "monthly indispositions" as gout and the common cold.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "indisposition" to politely and professionally refer to someone's illness or unwillingness to participate. This avoids being overly direct or personal.

Common error

Avoid using "indisposition" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in situations where a simpler word like "illness" or "not feeling well" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "indisposition" functions primarily as a formal term for a mild illness or a state of disinclination. Ludwig AI indicates it's a valid English word. The provided examples showcase its use in various contexts, from describing a performer's inability to perform to a general unwillingness to participate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indisposition" is a grammatically correct noun phrase most often used to describe a mild illness or a state of unwillingness in a formal manner, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly found in news articles and formal business contexts. While it effectively conveys a sense of politeness and professionalism, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly pretentious. When a less formal tone is needed, consider synonyms such as "illness" or "not feeling well".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight illness

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of being mildly sick.

minor ailment

Highlights the trivial nature of the health issue.

unwillingness

Shifts the meaning to a lack of motivation or desire to do something.

disinclination

Emphasizes a lack of enthusiasm or readiness.

reluctance

Implies a hesitant or unwilling attitude.

unenthusiasm

Highlights the absence of excitement or interest.

poorly

Directly states the condition of not being in good health.

under the weather

An idiomatic expression for feeling slightly unwell.

not feeling up to it

Indicates a lack of physical or mental energy for a task.

in a bad mood

Indicates a temporary state of unhappiness or irritability.

FAQs

How can I use "indisposition" in a sentence?

"Indisposition" is typically used to describe a mild illness or a state of unwillingness. For example, "Due to his indisposition, he was unable to attend the meeting." or "There was a general "reluctance" or indisposition to volunteer".

What are some synonyms for "indisposition"?

Synonyms for "indisposition" include "illness", "ailment", "unwillingness", and "disinclination". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "indisposition" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "indisposition" is relatively formal and might sound out of place in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "not feeling well" or "slightly ill" are usually more suitable.

What's the difference between "indisposition" and "disease"?

"Indisposition" generally refers to a mild or temporary illness, while "disease" implies a more serious and potentially chronic medical condition. "Indisposition" suggests a temporary state, while "disease" refers to a specific pathological condition.