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Word

apathy

noun B2
/ˈæ.pə.θi/

Meanings

noun

a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

apathy: a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
noun

a lack of motivation to take action or make decisions

apathy: a lack of motivation to take action or make decisions

Definition

Apathy is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about something.

Apathy means not feeling much interest or emotion about something that usually matters. Someone with apathy may seem unmotivated and unwilling to act. It can describe an attitude toward school, work, politics, or personal life, and it may be temporary or longer-lasting.

Examples

  • Voter apathy was high, and turnout was low.
  • Her apathy toward the project frustrated the rest of the team.
  • The teacher tried to fight student apathy with hands-on activities.
  • After weeks of stress, he felt a numb apathy about everything.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse apathy with sympathy, but apathy means not caring, while sympathy means caring about someone’s feelings.