insouciance

American  

[in-soo-see-uhns, an-soo-syahns] / ɪnˈsu si əns, ɛ̃ suˈsyɑ̃s /

noun

1. the quality of being insouciant; lack of care or concern; indifference.

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Etymology

Origin of insouciance

From French, dating back to 1790–1800; see origin at insouciant, -ance

Explanation

Insouciance is a feeling of careless indifference. There's a certain amount of lightheartedness in insouciance, but rather than merely being cheerful, someone with insouciance truly couldn't care less. Insouciance has roots in the French in, meaning "not," and se soucier, meaning "to care," giving the English word its "uncaring" meaning. Insouciance can be a positive state — like the childlike insouciance you feel when you are watching cartoons instead of paying your bills. However, insouciance is not always so sunny. Young voters are often accused of treating the right to vote with insouciance, meaning they just can't be bothered.

Example Sentences

And with the new millennium fast approaching, the consumer needed Jacobs’ brand of sartorial insouciance.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

The ensemble’s playful insouciance maintains the production’s buoyancy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Let’s hope his insouciance isn’t as contagious as the virus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Allen says some of the details have been exaggerated, but her pain is tangible amongst the artful pop beats and faux insouciance.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

His expression had the insouciance and arrogance of the carnivore, for there was nothing in his demeanor where one could detect a glimmer of civilized ripeness.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• alienation
• apathy
• callousness
• carelessness
• disdain
• disinterest
• disregard
• inattention
• inertia
• insensitivity
• lack
• negligence
• nonchalance