"The word “accidie” (also spelled “acedia”) is very rarely used. Most people wouldn’t know what that word means. It means something like a, usually, spiritual or mental state characterized by extreme listlessness, apathy, sloth, and a lack of care or concern for oneself, others, or even divine matters. Originating from Greek and medieval Christian contexts, it represents a deep indifference, often described as a “noonday demon” that drives a person to abandon spiritual, moral, or daily obligations.

In the past it was often cited as one of the seven deadly sins, representing a “disinclination to do anything good” (i.e. in this case a synonym for “sloth.”) It can also be a state of not caring or not being concerned about one’s life or spiritual condition. In literature, it is often associated with a deep, existential sadness or sluggishness, bordering on despair. The word itself is derived from Greek akēdia (meaning “negligence” or “without care.”) Like many ancient Greek words it has no exact equivalent in the English language.

It is important to distinguish “accidie” from simple laziness; rather, it is a profound, often existential apathy. Perhaps a better word would be the German-based word “angst” which describes a similar mental state. Most educated people would know what that means.

C’est la vie." — Stephen Ussery