apathetic

American  

[ap-uh-thet-ik] / ˌæp əˈθɛt ɪk /

Also apathetical

adjective

1. having or showing little or no emotion.

   apathetic behavior.

   Synonyms:

   cool, impassive, unfeeling

   Antonyms:

   emotional

2. not interested or concerned; indifferent or unresponsive.

   an apathetic audience.

   Synonyms:

   unconcerned, uninterested

   Antonyms:

   concerned

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apathetic British  

/ ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. having or showing little or no emotion; indifferent

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Usage

What does apathetic mean? Apathetic means uncaring. It’s an adjective form of apathy—the state of not caring. It can also mean the absence or suppression of emotion or passion. Apathetic is especially used to describe people with a lack of interest or concern about things, especially those that others find important or exciting. Apathetic often means about the same thing as indifferent, but it’s more often used in the context of someone’s lack of action when action is needed. The word apathetic is typically used in a negative way to criticize someone as being irresponsible or insensitive. When someone is accused of being apathetic, it usually means the person making the accusation thinks the apathetic person should care more—or at all. Example: Your generation is astoundingly apathetic—it’s like none of you care about any of the big problems in the world!

Other Word Forms

• apathetically adverb

Etymology

Origin of apathetic

First recorded in 1735–45; apath(y) + (path)etic

Explanation

Apathetic is an adjective that describes the feeling of being bored with what’s going on around you. If you don’t care one way or another, you’re apathetic. The Greek word pathos describes a type of emotional suffering that afflicts people who are super sensitive to their environment. Pathos is a root word of apathetic, but the prefix a- turns it into the opposite: emotional boredom, insensitivity, and a lack of enthusiasm. Maybe you feel apathetic because nothing around you stirs your interest, or maybe it’s because you need some coffee.

Example Sentences

A handful of other brands are likewise betting that in a fractured America, a devoted niche consumer base is more profitable than an apathetic majority.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

CEOs, in turn, pursue strategies against apathetic indexers or fickle traders who chase hot stocks and flee at the first hint of trouble.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

The cherry on top is their true apathetic evil.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

It is also hosting block parties outside early voting locations to lure young people who might otherwise be too apathetic or disorganized to make the effort.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2024

Stan and his apathetic skinny mustache were waiting for me.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• callous
• indifferent
• laid-back
• passive
• stoic
• uninterested