can't be bothered
Not worth effort
Can't be bothered expresses unwillingness to make the effort required for something, usually because it seems tedious or not worth the trouble: I could cook dinner, but I can't be bothered.
The phrase implies a mix of laziness and indifference—the task is possible but not sufficiently appealing to motivate action.
More common in British than American English.
Lacking interest or concern
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- nonchalantCalmly unconcerned
blasé · unmoved · unresponsive · aloof · insouciant · dispassionate · phlegmatic · impassive
Lacking creative spark
- demotivatedWithout will to continue
- unambitiousLacking desire for achievement
- dispiritedHaving lost heart
- unenthusedWithout eagerness or interest
listless · aimless · directionless · spiritless · flat · stagnant · unfocused · going through motions
Lacking energy, needing rest
- wearyDeeply tired, spent
- fatiguedDrained of energy
- drainedEmptied of resources
- burned outExhausted from overexertion
spent · depleted · worn out · run-down · knackered · shattered · exhausted · no energy
Avoiding effort or exertion
- slothfulHabitually avoiding exertion
- idleWithout activity or purpose
- sluggishSlow and inactive
- lethargicLacking energy or alertness
indolent · languid · torpid · lounging · loafing · lolling · slack · bone-idle
Opposed to participating
- resistantWithstanding external forces
- hesitantSlow to act
- disinclinedAverse to acting
- unenthusiasticWithout eagerness or passion
foot-dragging · begrudging · half-hearted · averse · loath · uncooperative · dragging feet · recalcitrant
indifferent
Lacking interest or concern
- unconcernedFeeling no worry
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
- detachedApart or uninvolved
nonchalant · blasé · unmoved · unresponsive · aloof · insouciant · dispassionate · phlegmatic · impassive · uncaring
uninspired
Lacking creative spark
- demotivatedWithout will to continue
- unambitiousLacking desire for achievement
- dispiritedHaving lost heart
unenthused · listless · aimless · directionless · spiritless · flat · stagnant · unfocused · going through motions · checked out
tired
Lacking energy, needing rest
burned out · spent · depleted · worn out · run-down · knackered · shattered · exhausted · no energy · wiped out
lazy
Avoiding effort or exertion
lethargic · indolent · languid · torpid · lounging · loafing · lolling · slack · bone-idle · workshy
unwilling
Opposed to participating
- resistantWithstanding external forces
- hesitantSlow to act
- disinclinedAverse to acting
unenthusiastic · foot-dragging · begrudging · half-hearted · averse · loath · uncooperative · dragging feet · recalcitrant · obstinate
can't be botheredeager
Intensely wanting something
keen · motivated · raring to go · willing · chomping at the bit
can't be botheredenthusiastic
Showing intense eager enjoyment
excited · passionate · gung-ho · fired up · can't wait
can't be bothereddiligent
Persistently attentive to tasks
industrious · conscientious · hardworking · meticulous · painstaking
can't, cannot, bother, bothered, bothering, bothers, bothersome, unbothered