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

Flanked by walls made of black lava stone, the young poets of the Goma Slam Session denounced the pillaging of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s abundant natural resources and the indifference of its political elites. —Patricia Huon, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Mar. 2025

Five people, ranging in age from 19 to 38, have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder with depraved indifference, according to the release. —Zoe Sottile, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025

That compliance has only fueled Trump’s indifference to courts or the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

The series is less effectively empathetic toward the victim or toward the plight of adolescent girls — though perhaps that’s a reflection of societal indifference. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indifference

• difference

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