indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• clue
• cue
• hint
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class.

There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.

Recent Examples on the Web

What Was on Epstein’s Computers and Cameras There were indications that computer hard drives had been removed from Epstein’s Palm Beach and Manhattan homes before law enforcement searches of the respective properties more than a decade apart. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025

There is no indication when the court could issue a decision, which is not likely to be the last to reach it. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said there was no indication of foul play. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Reusing the same nests over and over again might also be an indication that the birds can’t find any new nesting sites, which could affect their ability to successfully reproduce. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indication

• every indication

Rhymes for indication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the action of indicating

2

: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure

postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives

—C. H. Thienes

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)