apathy

/ˈæ.pə.θi/noun

A lack of interest, feeling, or motivation toward something.

Example sentences

“Voter apathy led to a very low turnout at the election.”
“The coach was frustrated by the team's apathy during practice.”

Takes "toward" or "about". "Voter apathy" is the classic collocation in news writing.

Featured as word of the day on March 22, 2026.

Synonyms for apathy

indifference
disinterest
unconcern
listlessness
passivity

Antonyms

enthusiasm
interest
passion

Often confused with apathy

apathy vs empathy: empathy (noun): The ability to understand and share what another person is feeling or thinking.

Related words

ambitionA strong wish to achieve success, fame, power, or a particular goal that sets one apart.ardorIntense warmth of emotion; burning passion or enthusiasm.curiosityThe desire to find out about things by asking questions, exploring, or investigating.devotionThe state of being deeply committed to a person, cause, or activity, or the act of committing yourself in that way.fervorA burning warmth of feeling; deep passion or enthusiasm.inertiaA tendency to stay the same and avoid change or action, often from laziness or habit.