noun

abulia

uh-BOO-lee-uh

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Abulia (noun) means a lack of willpower or the ability to make decisions, especially as a sign of mental illness. Example: “The patient's abulia made it hard for him to start even simple daily tasks.”

noun

psychiatric A lack of willpower or the ability to make decisions, especially as a sign of mental illness.

"The patient's abulia made it hard for him to start even simple daily tasks."

"His abulia was one of the symptoms his psychiatrist tracked closely."

"Severe abulia can leave a person unable to decide what to do next."

How to use abulia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving little or no willpower to start or decide on actions.

When to use it

It is a clinical term used mainly in psychiatry, not everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of the Greek root boulē, meaning will, and abulia as the state of being without it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

signs of abulia severe abulia symptoms of abulia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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The patient's _____ made it hard for him to start even simple daily tasks.

Etymology

Abulia comes from New Latin abulia, which was taken from the Ancient Greek word for irresolution. That Greek word was built from a prefix meaning without and a word meaning will.

Origin: New Latin

Rhymes for abulia

Odia aria India ataxia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia Estonia

See all rhymes for abulia →

Frequently asked questions

What does abulia mean?

It describes a lack of willpower or decisiveness, often appearing as a symptom of mental illness.

Is abulia a medical term?

Yes, it is used in psychiatry to describe patients who struggle to initiate or decide on actions.

What is the origin of the word abulia?

It comes from New Latin, which borrowed it from an Ancient Greek word meaning irresolution, formed from without plus will.

What is the meaning of abulia?

"abulia" (noun) means a lack of willpower or the ability to make decisions, especially as a sign of mental illness.