apathy

Pronunciation: noun. Synonyms: indifference, passivity, phlegm

noun

Definition of apathy

lack of interest or enthusiasm towards something

Synonyms for apathy

  • indifference
  • passivity
  • phlegm

apathy in a Sentence

  1. The team's losing streak led to apathy among the fans.

Why apathy Matters for GRE & SAT

"apathy" is a noun that means "lack of interest or enthusiasm towards something" closely related to words like "indifference", "passivity", "phlegm". As a word starting with A, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "apathy" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "apathy" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "apathy" into long-term memory.

How to Remember apathy

One effective way to remember "apathy" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "indifference" and "passivity" and "phlegm". When you encounter "apathy" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "lack of interest or enthusiasm towards something".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "apathy" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable