indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fortunately, the bear’s indifference is aided in part by responsible wildlife viewing. Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025 In public, Mark Kerr speaks amiably about his trainer turned rival and even takes him along for a rowdy impromptu meet-and-greet, but the lack of friction comes off less as a sign of his unflappability than of Safdie’s indifference to probing a friendship beyond buddy-comedy depth. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025 What lingers as the end credits roll is Daniel Day-Lewis’ noble face — full of sorrow, resentment, guilt and shame, emotions that Ray spends much of the early action masking in hardened indifference. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025 Shouhed is seeking damages on claims of assault and battery in violation of California’s Bane Act, deliberate indifference to serious medical condition in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and being denied medical attention. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifference

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indifference was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-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 How to pronounce indifference (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference

More from Merriam-Webster on indifference

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