Word of the day · 14 July 2026
apathetic
/ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/
adjective
Showing little interest, concern or emotion; indifferent.
In a sentence
- The town hall drew an apathetic crowd that barely asked questions.
- After months of delay, staff grew apathetic about the redesign.
- He sounded apathetic about a match he once lived for.
In an image
Origin
From Greek apatheia (freedom from feeling), from a- (without) and pathos (feeling, suffering); English formed apathetic via apathy.
History
Greek philosophers prized apatheia as calm freedom from disruptive passion. In modern English the related adjective usually criticizes a lack of care, especially about public life. An apathetic voter is not confused; the charge is that they will not bother. The word still sits between psychology and everyday blame.
Nearby words
indifferent · unconcerned · listless
Not angry or opposed so much as unmoved.