1
Core meaning
A lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
Example
Low turnout reflected public apathy rather than satisfaction.
apathy
/ˈæpəθi/ · AP-uh-theenoun
A lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
Use apathy to express this relationship precisely: a lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
What apathy Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The campaign sought to overcome apathy among young voters.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Repeated delays produced frustration and eventually apathy.
Use apathy Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Low turnout reflected public apathy rather than satisfaction.
The campaign sought to overcome apathy among young voters.
Repeated delays produced frustration and eventually apathy.
Precision Matters
Apathy overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
apathy
vs.Means a lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
indifferent
Means without interest, concern, or preference; unaffected.
apathy
vs.Means a lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
complacent
Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
apathy
vs.Means a lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
zealous
Means showing intense enthusiasm, energy, or devotion to a cause or goal.
apathy
vs.Means a lack of interest, concern, emotion, or enthusiasm.
ambivalence
Means simultaneous conflicting feelings about something.
Test apathy in Context
People show little interest or enthusiasm.
1
The absence of volunteers suggested widespread ___ rather than active opposition.