asked

The word “asked” means a casual British slang term meaning bothered or willing to make an effort, always used in the negative ("can't be asked"). In plain terms, a milder-sounding way of saying 'can\'t be bothered,' popular in informal British speech.

“Asked” is pronounced AHSKT (/ˈæskt/ in IPA).

Here is “asked” used in a sentence: “I can't be asked to cook tonight, let's order takeout.”

“Asked” is an adjective.

“Asked” is a very common word in modern English.

It is informal British slang meaning you cannot be bothered to do something — you have no motivation or willingness to make the effort. 'I can't be asked to tidy up tonight' means you simply do not feel like it. It is almost always used in the negative, describing a lack of effort.

They mean the same thing — an unwillingness to make the effort. 'Can't be bothered' is the standard, widely accepted phrase, while 'can't be asked' is a more slangy British variant, common in speech and texting. It is often used as a tidier, more polite-sounding alternative to a ruder version of the phrase.

It is informal slang rather than standard English, so it fits casual conversation, texts and social media but not formal writing or professional settings. In an essay or work email you would write 'I can't be bothered' or, better still, 'I would rather not.' Among friends, though, it is perfectly natural.

It almost always appears in the negative phrase 'can't be asked': 'I can't be asked to cook, let's order in,' 'he couldn't be asked to reply,' or 'honestly, I can't be asked today.' In each case it means the person lacks the motivation or willingness to make the effort.