indisposed

American  

[in-di-spohzd] / ˌɪn dɪˈspoʊzd /

adjective

1. sick or ill, especially slightly.

   to be indisposed with a cold.

   Synonyms:

   unwell

2. disinclined or unwilling; averse.

   indisposed to help.

   Synonyms:

   loath, reluctant

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indisposed British  

/ ˌɪndɪˈspəʊzd, ˌɪndɪspəˈzɪʃən /

adjective

1. sick or ill

2. unwilling

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Other Word Forms

• indisposedness noun
• indisposition noun

Etymology

Origin of indisposed

1375–1425; late Middle English: out of order, not suitable. See in- ³, disposed

Explanation

The adjective indisposed is a slightly formal way to describe someone who's feeling sick. You might call your boss to tell her that you can't make it to work because you're indisposed. When you're a bit under the weather, you're indisposed, particularly if you're ill enough to stay in bed and miss work or school. Another meaning of indisposed is "unwilling" — you're able to do something but refuse to do it. You might say, "I'm indisposed to visit my cousin because she's always so mean to me." Around 1400, it meant "not prepared," and by the mid-15th century it meant "deceased" or "dead." The Late Latin root word is indispositus, "without order" or "confused."

Example Sentences

Watts so impressed Bernstein that the conductor chose him to replace an indisposed Glenn Gould and play the Liszt concerto twice at Philharmonic Hall a few weeks later.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders with an indisposed defense and left with the squad in worse shape, but it appears that there’s hope.

From Fox News • Sep. 21, 2021

As Tenet’s villain, Olivier’s heir should be given free rein to bungee jump off the confines of a respectable performance, yet his director is otherwise indisposed and can’t be bothered.

From Slate • Dec. 28, 2020

“She is indisposed due to illness, but she will participate in the consideration and decision of the cases on the basis of the briefs and the transcripts or recordings of the oral arguments.”

From Salon • Nov. 13, 2019

Within a year she was dismissing servants, ordering about his household knights, even speaking for his lordship when he was indisposed.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin