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

Just like with dismissal, a partner who feels overlooked may start to pull away emotionally or hesitate to initiate bids for connection, worried that their efforts will be met with indifference. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

All Houston required to bridge that $121.1 million payroll gap was seven games, a couple of garbage cans and a pragmatic indifference toward bending the rules. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2024

This idea led us to awe, that mix of terror and wonder often associated with nature’s monolithic indifference and incomprehensibility. —Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024

Our faiths tell us to reject indifference and demand justice; to choose life over death, and love over fear. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024

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