least bothered

USAGE SUMMARY

"least bothered" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are not concerned about something. For example: "He was least bothered about the fact that he had failed his exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Books

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Interestingly, the people least bothered about the idea of legacy seem to be the choreographers themselves.

The Guardian

Cue all the pre-Code steam the trio can muster, with Harlow least bothered by the heat.

The Guardian

Our son is the least bothered; his lower lip wobbling only fractionally as his last stitch is tied up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I'm often struck by how Iris isn't the least bothered about whether she should live or write.

The Guardian - Books

Miguel is supposed to be tortured by, or at least bothered by, his double life — his loyalties are torn between the family business and his own family.

The New Yorker

No one seemed the least bothered by Best Buy's ubiquity at Central Park; such deals do not undermine Sting's credibility because they are utterly congruous with his image.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

And there was the secret me, working constantly on ever more detailed plans for how to kill myself with the least pain and the least bother to anyone else.

Independent

With stunning ease, the Wildcats built a 26-point lead in the first half over the Mountaineers 25-100), who led the nation in steals and figured their full-court press would at least bother Kentucky into some turnovers.

The Guardian - Sport

"Then he pulled out the belt showing how much thinner he'd got and I wanted to make a picture then, but they told me he's going to have all he can do to get out there -- he's a very sick man -- and the least bother here as possible because there's going to be a ceremony outside.

The New York Times - Sports

For whoever is part of their three-man attacking midfield behind the striker, an important part of their job will be to close down or to at least bother Pirlo.

BBC

It will be interesting to see if ISOA will at least bother to check with DynCorp to get the details of what happened.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, ensure the context aligns with mild indifference rather than strong opposition or excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "least bothered" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of emotion. It implies mild indifference, not strong disapproval or excitement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least bothered" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing someone's attitude or reaction to a situation. It indicates a state of minimal concern or disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

16%

Sport

11%

Less common in

Books

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least bothered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a mild lack of concern or disturbance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival modifier and is found across varied contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While predominantly neutral in tone, it fits well in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use "least bothered" to express a lack of worry, and consider alternatives like ""not at all concerned"" or ""unfazed"" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all concerned

Emphasizes the absence of concern, differing in intensity from simply being "least bothered".

totally unconcerned

This alternative highlights the complete absence of concern or worry about something.

unfazed

Conveys a sense of calmness and lack of surprise or worry, offering a more emotional description.

didn't care in the slightest

This alternative is a more emphatic way of expressing a lack of concern or interest.

not in the least worried

Specifically focuses on the absence of worry, a particular aspect of being "least bothered".

utterly unperturbed

This alternative emphasizes the complete lack of disturbance or agitation.

completely indifferent

Indicates a neutral attitude and lack of interest, where being "least bothered" might suggest mild awareness.

not giving it a second thought

Focuses on the action of dismissing something from one's mind, suggesting less awareness than "least bothered".

unmoved

Suggests a lack of emotional reaction, which may be a related but distinct concept.

remaining calm

Focuses on the state of being calm, implying composure instead of indifference.

FAQs

How can I use "least bothered" in a sentence?

You can use "least bothered" to describe someone who is not very concerned or worried about something. For example, "He seemed "least bothered" by the criticism."

What is a synonym for "least bothered"?

Alternatives to "least bothered" include "not at all concerned", "unfazed", or "completely indifferent".

Is it grammatically correct to say "least bothered"?

Yes, "least bothered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate a lack of concern.

What's the difference between "least bothered" and "completely unconcerned"?

"Least bothered" implies a milder form of indifference, while "completely unconcerned" suggests a total absence of worry or care.