Apathy: meaning, example and synonyms
Apathyn. Lack of interest, concern, or feeling.
Example
Organizers expected outrage over the proposed tax, but the mood at the hearing was apathy: most seats were empty, and few residents spoke.
- Part of speech
- noun
- Synonyms
- indifference, unconcern, listlessness, detachment
- Antonyms
- enthusiasm, passion, interest, concern
- Memory tip
- a- (without) + pathos (feeling): apathy is being without feeling.
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Check yourself: Apathy in context
Voter turnout in the local election fell below fifteen percent, a sign of widespread ______ that alarmed officials who had hoped the new ballot measures would spark debate.
Answer: apathy. Very low turnout signals a lack of interest. Vigilance would raise turnout, and tutelage (instruction) and profusion (abundance) don't explain it.
The teacher was less troubled by students who disagreed with the novel than by those who met it with ______, shrugging at every question as if nothing in the book could matter to them.
Answer: apathy. Shrugging as if nothing matters is indifference. Animosity would be active hostility, unlike shrugging; latency and profusion don't describe a reaction.