adj
Very common
asked
AHSKT
Asked (adj) means a casual British slang term meaning bothered or willing to make an effort, always used in the negative ("can't be asked"). Example: “I can't be asked to cook tonight, let's order takeout.”
adj
1
A casual British slang term meaning bothered or willing to make an effort, always used in the negative ("can't be asked").
"I can't be asked to cook tonight, let's order takeout."
"He can't be asked to tidy his room, even when guests are coming."
"I'm not going out in this rain, I honestly can't be asked."
How to use asked
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA milder-sounding way of saying 'can\'t be bothered,' popular in informal British speech.
When to use it
Very informal and mainly spoken; avoid in writing.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like asked.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more asked
- Superlative
- most asked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I can't be _____ to cook tonight, let's order takeout.
Etymology
A slangy variant born from how "arsed" sounds in casual British speech.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for asked
See all rhymes for asked →Frequently asked questions
What does “asked” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “asked”?
“Asked” is pronounced AHSKT (/ˈæskt/ in IPA).
How do you use “asked” in a sentence?
Here is “asked” used in a sentence: “I can't be asked to cook tonight, let's order takeout.”
What part of speech is “asked”?
“Asked” is an adjective.
Is “asked” a common word?
“Asked” is a very common word in modern English.
What does 'can't be asked' mean?
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.
What is the difference between 'can't be asked' and 'can't be bothered'?
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.
Is 'can't be asked' correct English?
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.
What is an example of 'asked' used this way?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include asked:
