apathy

American  

[ap-uh-thee] / ˈæp ə θi /

noun

apathies plural

1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.

   Synonyms:

   coolness

   Antonyms:

   fervor, ardor

2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.

3. Stoicism. Also apatheia, apathia freedom from emotion of any kind.

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apathy British  

/ ˈæpəθɪ /

noun

1. absence of interest in or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving

2. absence of emotion

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Usage

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

Synonym Usage

See indifference.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• apathies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of apathy

First recorded in 1595–1605; from French or directly from Latin apathīa, from Greek apátheia “insensibility to suffering,” equivalent to apathe- (stem of apathḗs ) “unfeeling” ( a- a- ⁶ + pathe-, variant stem of páthos pathos ) + -ia -ia

Explanation

Use the noun apathy when someone isn't interested in the important things that are happening. You might feel apathy for the political process after watching candidates bicker tediously with one another. Although apathy is a lazy-sounding word indicating a lack of interest, action, or emotion, it has traveled through many languages to arrive in English. From the Greek apatheia, "freedom from suffering" or "impassibility," apathy has existed in English since the 17th century. Not just one person, but a whole segment of the population can be accused of inaction or emotional detachment: the expressions voter apathy, student apathy, and consumer apathy show just how unenthusiastic groups of people can be.

Example Sentences

Apathy about the event was claimed to be highest among young people, with 75% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they were not interested in it.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2023

Apathy was measured with the Apathy Evaluation Scale, while anhedonia was scaled using the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, which asked prompts like "I would enjoy being with family or close friends."

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2022

Apathy: The vote was marred by record-low turnout: Only about 46 percent of the French electorate went to the ballot box, according to projections, the second-lowest level since 1958.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2022

Apathy and cynicism are as common as homeless encampments as election day in Los Angeles nears.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2022

Apathy, because you’ve lost a sense of worth.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Related Words

• indifference
• insensitivity
• lethargy