apathetic

Lacking any enthusiasm

Apathetic, an adjective, appears to be the opposite of pathetic but usage has transformed its meaning.

Apathetic is used to negatively characterize people or attitudes that lack interest and enthusiasm.

It carries the connotation that people either should have more enthusiasm, or that they would have under different circumstances: The judge was too apathetic about the case to hand down a fair decision.

The related noun apathy has the same negative connotations.

indifferent

unconcerned

Feeling no worry

uncaringLacking emotional concern
uninterestedLacking curiosity or concern
blaséUnimpressed through overexposure

nonchalant · insouciant · lackadaisical · dismissive · shrug · whatever · meh · disregard · neglectful · heedless

emotionless

unfeeling

Without compassion or emotion

numbLacking physical sensation
coldLow temperature state
impassiveWithout visible emotion

expressionless · blank · vacant · deadpan · stolid · wooden · flat · affectless · unemotional · dispassionate

unmotivated

listless

Lacking energy or enthusiasm

lethargicLacking energy or alertness
languidWeak and without vigor
torpidInactive and slow

sluggish · inert · passive · spiritless · enervated · lifeless · lackluster · unambitious · aimless · directionless

detached

disengaged

Not participating or invested

uninvolvedNot taking part
aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
distantFar away or aloof

withdrawn · removed · disconnected · uncommitted · bystander · spectator · onlooker · passive · hands-off · laissez-faire

stoic

phlegmatic

Unemotionally calm, slow-reacting

unperturbedNot bothered or worried
unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
imperturbableIncapable of being upset

unflappable · composed · unfazed · unexcitable · even-keeled · unmoved · unaffected · serene · placid · calm

apathetic

unconcerned

unfeeling

listless

disengaged

phlegmatic

apathetic

Opposites

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