indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

-fərn(t)s

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent

2

a

: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

b

archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things

Synonyms

• apathy
• casualness
• complacence
• disinterestedness
• disregard
• incuriosity
• incuriousness
• insouciance
• nonchalance
• torpor
• unconcern

Examples of indifference in a Sentence

She was amazed that some people could watch the trial with indifference.

She watched them with a cool indifference.

Recent Examples on the Web

But, as Kennedy’s book makes painfully clear, the rape kit has also become a paradoxical symbol of systemic indifference toward rape and its victims. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

The government’s apparent indifference toward the hostages—despite the IDF’s near-total military control of Gaza and the fact that many hostages were held within a few kilometers of IDF positions—only deepened the public’s frustration. —Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025

Today, perhaps, only some Donald Trump acolytes such as Elon Musk can make black lives matter, undoing years of bloody damage from progressive activists and indifference from everyone else. —Wilfred Reilly, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025

Gloria's first order of business was repairing a bureaucracy allowed to break through indifference. —Andrew Keatts, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s 

-ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s

1

: lack of feeling for or against something

2

: lack of importance

a matter of indifference to them

Medical Definition

indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s, -ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent

a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference