Word for being aware of something but not doing anything about it?

Question

To expand on the title more, is there an adjective for someone that is aware of something happening but is not doing anything about it, even though they could interfere but they're just not choosing too?

Here's an example: let's say that there's a toddler at a daycare. The toddler starts stealing toys from other kids and gets into fights with them. The daycare supervisors are completely aware that this is happening, and they can intervene, but they choose not to.

I tried the words ignorant and oblivious but that doesn't work since the person is aware it's happening. I also can't think of any other word that works. If someone could help, that would be greatly appreciated.

Centaurus · Accepted Answer

You are looking for an adjective for "someone that is aware of something..."

You may say they are unconcerned about what's going on around them.

unconcerned - (adjective) not involved, not having any part or interest. It suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles "unconcerned about the homeless". MW - -  Not involved or interested, indifferent TFD

"a good parent will never be unconcerned about the education of their children"
"The question then is how a person can have self-respect if they are unconcerned about their own interests"
"A sensible adviser ought not to be unconcerned about the influence which his writings may have on the public"

Richard Kayser · Answer

How about ignore or turn a blind eye to?

M-W:

ignore: to do
  nothing about or in response to (something or someone)

TFD:

turn a blind eye to:
  deliberately overlook, ignore

Also deliberately overlook. From M-W:

overlook: to
  pay no attention to (something)

Your example:

The daycare supervisors are completely aware that this is happening,
  and they can intervene, but they choose not to. They choose to
  ignore [or overlook] it. 
  
  The daycare supervisors are completely aware that this is happening,
  and they can intervene, but they choose not to. They turn a blind
  eye to it.

Britany · Answer

The word I believe you are looking for is negligence.
Neg•li•gence
noun
failure to take proper care in doing something.
"some of these accidents are due to negligence"
Similar:
carelessness
lack of care
dereliction of duty
nonperformance of duty
non-fulfillment of duty
remissness
neglectfulness
neglect
laxity
laxness
irresponsibility
inattention
inattentiveness
heedlessness
thoughtlessness
unmindfulness
forgetfulness
slackness
sloppiness
contributory negligence
culpa
barratry
delinquency
disregardfulness
inadvertence
inadvertency
oscitation
Opposite:
conscientiousness
attention to duty
LAW
failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.

John · Answer

I would say unmoved

not changed in one's purpose or intention.

Paul M Mutschler · Answer

Indifferent or indifference is closest, in my opinion. Perhaps complacency or complacent should also be on the list of choices.

Word for being aware of something but not doing anything about it?

5 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question