indisposition

[in-dis-puh-zish-uh n]

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noun

state of being indisposed.

a slight illness.

disinclination; unwillingness.

Origin of indisposition

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at in-³, disposition

Related formspre·in·dis·po·si·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for indisposition

malady, illness, ailment, disinclination, sickness, unwillingness, reluctance, resentment, discomfort, malaise, affliction, disorder, infirmity

Examples from the Web for indisposition

Historical Examples of indisposition

It was only an indisposition, pure and simple,—an abscess in the armpit; that was all.
The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan, Complete
Madame La Marquise De Montespan
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Swanborough's indisposition.
The Stark Munro Letters
J. Stark Munro
Was the child's indisposition graver than she had led Ruth to suppose?
Mistress Wilding
Rafael Sabatini
He made the most of his indisposition to Almayer, who came to visit him twice a day.
An Outcast of the Islands
Joseph Conrad
I gave prompt assurances that my indisposition was not serious.
Oswald Langdon
Carson Jay Lee

Word Origin and History for indisposition

early 15c., "unfavorable influence" (in astrology); also in Middle English, "ill health, disorder of the mind or body; unfavorable disposition, hostility; inclination to evil; wickedness; public disorder, lawlessness," from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + disposition.