# apathetic

/ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/ (US) · /ˌæpɐθˈɛtɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apathetic
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. an indifferent person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a person who does not care or shows no interest in a specific issue.

For teachers: an individual characterized by indifference or a lack of concern, especially regarding a particular cause or movement.

- It is hard to start a protest when you are surrounded by apathetics.
- The organizer lamented that the town was full of apathetics who refused to attend even the most critical town hall meetings.

Usage: Used as a countable noun, though the adjective form is significantly more common.

## Examples

- He became completely apathetic about his schoolwork after failing the first exam.
- The manager's apathetic response to the safety complaints frustrated the factory workers, who felt their serious concerns were being ignored.
- Prolonged exposure to the relentless 24-hour news cycle can leave even the most passionate citizens feeling apathetic, as the sheer volume of global crises overwhelms their capacity for empathy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.