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

Online, conservatives and liberals alike have expressed reactions ranging from indifference to schadenfreude over Thompson's murder, citing their gripe with the U.S. healthcare system and the companies, like UnitedHealth, that have denied their medical claims in the past. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Rosa’s feelings of indifference turned to frustration and resentment. —Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 26 Nov. 2024

Whether Sasse’s indifference to the rankings led to his resignation is unclear, but the chasm between the president and the board of trustees seemed to develop as the university’s rankings status became more tenuous. —Stephanie Saul, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024

TikTok employees’ indifference to the presidential election is also a result of neither candidate representing a vastly better future of the company. —Zeyi Yang, WIRED, 5 Nov. 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