apathy

[ap-uh-thee]

noun

plural

apathies 

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.

apathy

/ ˈæpəθɪ /

noun

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

2. absence of emotion

Word History and Origins

Origin of apathy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of apathy¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek apatheia, from apathēs without feeling, from _a- ¹ + pathos feeling

Synonym Study

See indifference.

Example Sentences

The only results were brutal retaliation within the walls and callous apathy from state officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of excitement and electricity there was apathy and angst.

From BBC

Around 12,000 tickets went unsold - a reflection of a deepening apathy.

From BBC

Animal welfare activist Gauri Maulekhi said Shankar's death reflects "years of institutional apathy and neglect" and called it a systemic failure demanding accountability.

From BBC

“Complicit in the narrative of pacified killings it’s a / Sore sight when you gotta choose / The lesser of two evils either one will prove / That we’re socially in apathy what’s left to lose?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• indifference 
• insensitivity www.thesaurus.com
• lethargy 

When To Use

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!