noun
apathy
AP-uh-thee/ˈæpəθi/
A lack of interest, concern, or motivation.
The lounging person's apathy contrasts with the neighbors' urgent cleanup efforts.
Etymology
“Without feeling or suffering” originally described a positive freedom from disturbing passions. The meaning shifted toward indifference—a failure to feel interest or concern about things that should matter.
In context
it looks like people don't care, it looks like apathy.
to apathy and disengagement from the conversation altogether.
More examples
- The teacher tried to overcome the class's apathy.
- Months of disappointment had turned enthusiasm into apathy.
- She mistook his quiet manner for apathy.
Similar words
- indifference
- A lack of concern that need not involve low motivation.
- lethargy
- Emphasizes lack of energy rather than lack of interest.