What does indisposed mean?
Indisposed most commonly means slightly unwell, providing a polite or formal alternative to phrases such as 'not feeling well.' It often suggests a minor, temporary illness rather than serious ill health, as in 'she was indisposed and stayed at home.' The word can also mean unwilling or disinclined, particularly in formal contexts: a person may be 'indisposed to agree' or 'indisposed to accept a proposal.' This second sense is less frequent but useful in legal, diplomatic, and ceremonious writing. Although indisposed may sound old-fashioned when describing illness, it remains readily understood in both British and American English. Its unusual range of meanings allows it to move easily from a discussion of health to an expression of reluctance, while its formal tone makes it especially appropriate for official announcements and professional correspondence.
adjectiveSlightly unwell, especially suffering from a minor illness. In formal use, it can also mean unwilling or disinclined to do something.
- Slightly unwell or suffering from a minor illness.
- Unwilling or disinclined to do or accept something.
"She was feeling indisposed and asked us to postpone the meeting."
"The chairman was indisposed and could not attend the ceremony."
"Although initially willing to participate, she was indisposed to accept the proposed changes."
A mild word with two very different meanings: indisposed can mean slightly unwell or, in formal English, unwilling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of indisposed
Indisposed was formed in English from the prefix in-, meaning 'not,' and disposed, meaning inclined or willing. The element disposed ultimately comes from Latin disponere, formed from dis- and ponere, and Latin dispositus, meaning arranged or directed. The resulting word originally expressed the absence of willingness or readiness before developing its established sense of mild illness.
How indisposed is actually used
In its medical sense, indisposed is a formal or euphemistic alternative to unwell. In the sense of unwillingness, it is chiefly formal and commonly appears in the construction 'indisposed to do something'.
Easily confused with indisposed
Both can mean unwilling, but indisposed also commonly means slightly unwell, while disinclined normally has only the sense of reluctance.