indisposition

Indisposition is a noun that refers to a mild illness or temporary inability to perform normal activities. In common usage, it often denotes feeling unwell rather than a diagnosed disease. The adjective indisposed can describe a person who is temporarily unavailable or unfit for duty, as in I am indisposed at the moment. The term derives from Latin indispositus, meaning not disposed or not available, and entered English via Middle French and later forms.

Medically, indisposition is non-specific and is used when symptoms do not point to a definite diagnosis. Typical symptoms include fatigue, malaise, headaches, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, or a low-grade fever. Causes vary widely and may include viral infections, dehydration, overexertion, stress, jet lag, or adverse effects of medications.

Indisposition generally implies a short duration. If symptoms resolve within a day or two, no further action may be needed beyond rest and fluids. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen, or if red flags appear such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dehydration, vomiting unable to retain fluids, confusion, or a high fever, especially in young children, the elderly, or people with chronic illness. In workplaces or schools, reporting indisposition is a courteous way to explain temporary absence.