not bothered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not bothered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express indifference or a lack of concern about something. Example: "When it comes to the criticism, I'm really not bothered by what others think."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm not bothered.

The New Yorker

We're not bothered.

The New York Times - Sports

Redknapp in; Abramovich not bothered.

Independent

Local voters were not bothered.

The Economist

We were not bothered".

The New York Times

Really: not bothered.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Shakey's not bothered.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not bothered really.

The Guardian - Sport

You're not bothered here".

The New York Times - Arts

But she's not bothered.

The Guardian

"I'm not bothered if you're not bothered," said Blair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not bothered" to express a casual lack of concern or interest. It's suitable for informal conversations and writing, but consider more formal alternatives like "unconcerned" or "indifferent" in professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "not bothered" in highly formal or professional writing. While acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too casual or dismissive. Opt for alternatives that convey a more serious or professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not bothered" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of indifference or lack of concern. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not bothered" is a common and generally acceptable way to express a lack of concern or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While suitable for many contexts, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose more appropriate alternatives like "unconcerned" or "indifferent" in professional settings. When aiming for a neutral register "not bothered" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconcerned

Implies a lack of worry or anxiety about something.

indifferent

Suggests a lack of interest or sympathy.

unfazed

Indicates not being disturbed or disconcerted.

not fussed

A more informal way of saying not worried or concerned, common in British English.

not worried

Directly expresses a lack of worry.

couldn't care less

Emphasizes a strong lack of interest or concern.

don't give a damn

A more vulgar way of expressing extreme indifference.

take it in stride

Suggests dealing with something calmly and without getting upset.

not losing sleep over it

Indicates not being concerned enough to worry about something.

remaining calm

To stay composed or not to get emotionally invested or concerned.

FAQs

What does "not bothered" mean?

The phrase "not bothered" means to not care about something, to be unconcerned, or to lack interest in a particular matter. It implies a state of indifference or a lack of worry.

What can I say instead of "not bothered"?

You can use alternatives like "unconcerned", "indifferent", or "unfazed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not bothered" formal or informal?

"Not bothered" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "unconcerned" or "disinterested".

How do I use "not bothered" in a sentence?

You can use "not bothered" in a sentence like: "I'm "not worried" about the outcome, I'm "not bothered"." Or, "She said she was "not bothered" by the criticism."