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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.

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