desidia
apathy
noun deh-SEE-dyah Rare
Origin: From Latin desidia (idleness, sloth).
Also means
negligence
Usage Note
Desidia conveys not just laziness but a habitual, culpable neglect — closer to 'slothful negligence' than simple tiredness. It often appears in criticism of institutions or public officials. The adjective is desidioso. Do not confuse with indecisión (indecision) or pereza (laziness, which is more neutral).
Examples
"La desidia del ayuntamiento empeoró el problema."
Natural Translation
The council's negligence made the problem worse.
Related Words
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