Finding the right word for a crossword can be hard. You might see a clue like lack of interest or attention crossword clue. This clue is very common in puzzles. It can have many different answers. The answer depends on how many letters you need. It also depends on which puzzle you are playing.
We have looked at many top puzzles. We checked the New York Times and the LA Times. We also looked at the Wall Street Journal and The Guardian. This guide will show you every possible answer for the lack of interest or attention crossword clue. We will explain what each word means. This will help you finish your puzzle fast. It will also help you learn new words.
Most Common Answers for Lack of Interest or Attention Crossword Clue
Most crossword clues have one main answer. For this clue, there are a few top choices. We have put them in a table for you. This makes it easy to see which one fits your grid.
| Letters | Answer | How Common Is It? | Best For These Puzzles |
| 6 | APATHY | Very Common | NYT, USA Today, Newsday |
| 5 | ENNUI | Very Common | New Yorker, LA Times |
| 12 | INDIFFERENCE | Common | Large Sunday Puzzles |
| 10 | DETACHMENT | Sometimes | Cryptic Puzzles |
| 9 | UNCONCERN | Sometimes | Universal Crossword |
| 11 | LISTLESSNESS | Rare | Harder Puzzles |
The Best 6 Letter Answer: APATHY
The word APATHY is the top answer for a six-letter space. It means someone does not feel any interest. They do not care about what is happening. They have no energy for the topic.
Crossword makers love this word. It has three vowels: A, A, and Y. It also has three consonants: P, T, and H. This mix makes it easy to fit with other words. If your puzzle has a “Y” at the end, APATHY is likely the right choice.
Why Apathy Fits So Well
Puzzles use words that people know but do not say every day. Apathy is a perfect “middle” word. It is not too simple, but it is not too hard. Many clues for this word mention a “lack of feeling.” If you see the word “concern” in the clue, think of APATHY first.
The Best 5 Letter Answer: ENNUI
If you only have five boxes, try ENNUI. This word is special. It comes from the French language. It means a deep kind of boredom. It is the feeling you get when life feels dull.
This word is popular in harder puzzles. It has many vowels: E, U, and I. Vowels are the most important letters in a crossword. They help connect the “Across” words to the “Down” words. If you see a clue about “spiritless boredom,” ENNUI is your best bet.
Understanding the Origin of Ennui
Knowing where words come from helps you solve clues. Ennui was first used to describe a person who was tired of everything. In modern crosswords, it is often used for clues that sound a bit fancy. It is a smart word for a smart puzzle.
The Best 12 Letter Answer: INDIFFERENCE
Sometimes you need a very long word. If you have twelve letters, use INDIFFERENCE. This word means you have no preference. You do not think something is good or bad. You are just neutral.
This word is usually found in big Sunday puzzles. These puzzles have more space. Because it is so long, it will cross many other words. This helps you fill in a big part of the map. If you see “lack of attention” in a 21×21 grid, this is often the answer.
Smaller and Slang Answers
Not every answer is a long, formal word. Some puzzles use modern talk. If you have a very small space, look at these options.
- MEH (3 Letters): This is a slang word. People say “meh” when they find something boring. It is a very common three-letter answer today.
- EASE (4 Letters): Sometimes a lack of worry is clued as a lack of interest.
- BORED (5 Letters): This is the most simple word. It is not used often in hard puzzles, but it appears in easy ones.
Deep Look at Similar Crossword Clues
You might see clues that are almost the same but not quite. It is important to know the difference. This is how you avoid mistakes.
Lack of Interest vs. Lack of Care
“Lack of interest” usually leads to APATHY. But “lack of care” might lead to NEGLECT. Neglect is seven letters long. If you are not careful, you might pick the wrong one. Always check the number of boxes before you write.

Lack of Interest vs. Lack of Energy
If the clue mentions “energy,” the answer might be LASSITUDE or LANGUOR. These words mean you are too tired to care. They are different from just being bored. They describe a physical feeling of being heavy or slow.
Tips for Solving Tough Clues
Solving crosswords is a skill. Like any skill, you can get better with practice. Here are some proven ways to find the answer every time.
- Look for the Endings: If the clue is “Showing lack of interest,” the answer will likely end in “-ED” or “-ING.” For example, the answer could be BORING or APATHETIC.
- Check for Plurals: If the clue is “Lacks of interest,” the answer must end in an “S.”
- Read the Title: Some puzzles have a theme. If the theme is about France, the answer is more likely to be ENNUI.
- Use the Crosses: If you are 100% sure about a vertical word, use that letter to check your horizontal word.
The Meaning of Listlessness
LISTLESSNESS is an eleven-letter word. It is a very descriptive word. It means having no desire to do anything. It is like being a ship with no wind in the sails.
This word is used when the clue is very specific. It might say “state of being spiritless.” It is a heavy word. It shows a deep lack of attention. It is not a word people use at the dinner table, but it is a word crossword lovers know well.
How to Handle Cryptic Clues
Cryptic crosswords are like riddles. They have two parts. One part is the definition. The other part is a word game.
Example: “A path for a lack of interest.”
The definition is “lack of interest.” The word game is “A path.” Put them together and you get APATHY.
If you see a clue that seems to have extra words, it might be a cryptic clue. Look for “hidden” words inside the sentence. Sometimes the answer is right there in front of you.
Common Themes and Variations
Crossword clues change slightly to keep things interesting. Here are some variations you might see:
- “Complete lack of interest” -> APATHY
- “Boredom from nothing to do” -> ENNUI
- “Objective lack of interest” -> DETACHMENT
- “Cold lack of interest” -> INDIFFERENCE
Each of these clues points to a different feeling. By learning these small changes, you can solve any puzzle.

Final Thoughts for Today’s Puzzle
Finding the lack of interest or attention crossword clue answer should be easy now. You have the list. You have the meanings. You have the tips.
Always start with the most common words. Try APATHY or ENNUI first. If those do not fit, look at the longer words like INDIFFERENCE. Remember to check your “Down” clues to make sure the letters match.
Solving crosswords is fun. It keeps your brain sharp. With this guide, you can finish your grid and feel great about your work. Happy puzzling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for a lack of interest or attention crossword clue?
The most common answer is APATHY. This is a 6-letter word. It is used in many puzzles like the New York Times. It means a person does not have any feeling or concern about a topic.
What is a 5-letter word for lack of interest or attention?
The best 5-letter answer is ENNUI. This word comes from France. It describes a feeling of being very bored because nothing is happening. It often appears in harder crosswords.
How do I find a 12-letter answer for lack of interest or attention?
If you need 12 letters, the answer is usually INDIFFERENCE. This word is long. It fits in large Sunday puzzles. It means a person does not pick a side because they do not care.
Is there a short slang word for lack of interest?
Yes, the word is MEH. It has only 3 letters. It is a modern word. Puzzles use it to show that something is not exciting or special.
Are there any 10-letter words for this crossword clue?
Yes, you can use DETACHMENT. This means being away from a situation emotionally. Another 10-letter choice is ALOOFSNESS, though it is not used as often.
Can “lack of attention” mean something else in a puzzle?
Yes. If the clue is about being messy, the answer might be NEGLECT. If it is about being bored, the answer is APATHY. Always check the words that cross your answer to be sure.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure our crossword solutions and definitions are accurate and up-to-date, crossword clues can vary by publication and date. We are not officially affiliated with the New York Times, LA Times, The Guardian, or any other puzzle publisher mentioned. Use of these answers is at the discretion of the player. We recommend cross-referencing with your specific puzzle grid to ensure the best fit.
You May Also Like: Very Very Tall NYT Crossword Clue: Ultimate Answer Guide
For More Information, visit TryHardGuides.

I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.
Discover more from Try Hard Guides
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.