What Is Another Way to Say “Lack of Empathy”?

Looking for synonyms for lack of empathy? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say lack of empathy.

  • Insensitivity
  • Indifference
  • Unsympathetic attitude
  • Apathy
  • Coldness
  • Disregard
  • Detachment
  • Callousness
  • Heartlessness
  • Aloofness
  • Inconsideration
  • Emotionless demeanor
  • Hard-heartedness
  • Impassiveness
  • Unresponsiveness

Want to learn how to say lack of empathy professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Insensitivity

Appropriate when someone fails to recognize or respect the feelings of others.
Example: “His insensitivity to the team’s concerns affected the morale of the department.”

2. Indifference

Used to describe a lack of interest or concern about others’ feelings or situations.
Example: “Her indifference to customer feedback was evident in her dismissive responses.”

3. Unsympathetic Attitude

Suitable for a situation where someone shows no sympathy or understanding.
Example: “His unsympathetic attitude towards the challenges faced by the team was problematic.”

4. Apathy

Used to describe a lack of enthusiasm, interest, or concern.
Example: “There was a noticeable apathy towards the new policy changes among the staff.”

5. Coldness

Appropriate when someone’s manner or responses lack warmth or emotion.
Example: “The manager’s coldness during the meeting left the team feeling undervalued.”

6. Disregard

Used when someone shows a lack of consideration or attention to others.
Example: “Her disregard for the well-being of her colleagues raised concerns about team dynamics.”

7. Detachment

Suitable to describe a state of being emotionally disengaged or distant.
Example: “His detachment from the team’s issues prevented him from being an effective leader.”

8. Callousness

Used to describe a lack of kindness and a disregard for others’ feelings.
Example: “The callousness of his comments during the appraisal was demotivating.”

9. Heartlessness

Appropriate in situations where someone is cruel or lacking in compassion.
Example: “The heartlessness shown in dismissing the team’s efforts was quite apparent.”

10. Aloofness

Used to describe a person who is distant, uninvolved, or uninterested.
Example: “Her aloofness in team discussions often left her out of the loop on key decisions.”

11. Inconsideration

Suitable for instances where someone fails to consider the feelings or needs of others.
Example: “The inconsideration he showed by interrupting others was noted during the meeting.”

12. Emotionless Demeanor

Used when someone shows no emotional response or empathy.
Example: “His emotionless demeanor during the team’s crisis did not go unnoticed.”

13. Hard-heartedness

Appropriate for describing a lack of empathy or compassion, often in a harsh manner.
Example: “The hard-heartedness in her decision-making process affected employee morale.”

14. Impassiveness

Used to describe a lack of emotion or response to situations that typically elicit empathy.
Example: “His impassiveness even in the face of his team’s struggles was concerning.”

15. Unresponsiveness

Suitable for situations where there is a lack of reaction or acknowledgement of others’ emotions.
Example: “The unresponsiveness of the management to employee feedback created a disconnect.”

Linda Brown