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

was shocked by their indifference to the issue

struggles that were treated with indifference by the government

2

a

: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

observed with cool indifference

b

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

Synonyms of indifference

• disregard

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

And in today’s environment, indifference costs more than investment ever will. —Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025

Filed in May 2023, the Schuck family’s lawsuit accused jail staff of negligence and deliberate indifference to their son’s medical needs. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025

In a separate legal matter, Parker is facing criminal charges of felony child abuse and neglect for her alleged indifference. —Gary Grumbach, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025

Former Vice President Dick Cheney's death drew mixed responses on Tuesday, as many of his critics reacted with indifference or questioned his legacy. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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