Is apathetic a negative word?

Yes. It usually suggests a lack of care, interest, or feeling.

What is the difference between apathetic and indifferent?

Indifferent means not caring much. Apathetic often sounds stronger and more negative.

Can I use apathetic in formal writing?

Yes. It is common in academic, news, and business writing.

How do I use apathetic in a sentence?

Use it before a noun or after a linking verb: "She seemed apathetic."

← Dictionary

apathetic

/ˌæp.əˈθet.ɪk/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

showing little or no interest, energy, or feeling about something. An apathetic person does not care much what happens.

Many voters felt apathetic about the election.
She seemed apathetic during the meeting.
His apathetic reply worried his manager.

Adinary Nuance

Apathetic is stronger and colder than uninterested. It suggests a lack of care or feeling, not just mild boredom. Compared with indifferent, it often sounds more negative and more worried or critical. Writers use it when someone seems emotionally detached or uninvolved.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thờ ơ
Spanish: apático
Chinese: 冷漠的
Japanese: 無関心な
Korean: 무관심한

Etymology

Apathetic comes from Greek apatheia, meaning "without feeling". It entered English in the early 1700s.

Common phrases

apathetic attitudeapathetic responseapathetic aboutapathetic toward

Synonyms

indifferent uninterested unconcerned detached

Related words

apathy indifference bored passive

Frequently asked questions

Is apathetic a negative word?: Yes. It usually suggests a lack of care, interest, or feeling.
What is the difference between apathetic and indifferent?: Indifferent means not caring much. Apathetic often sounds stronger and more negative.
Can I use apathetic in formal writing?: Yes. It is common in academic, news, and business writing.
How do I use apathetic in a sentence?: Use it before a noun or after a linking verb: "She seemed apathetic."