indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

an indication of a recovering economy

gave no indication of her anger

Asthma and COPD are indications for bronchodilator use.

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

a drug approved for several cardiovascular indications

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of indication

• clue
• hint
• suggestion
• cue
• idea

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

Gelb added that Mattingly’s comments were an indication that the team expects to cut Rincones from the major-league roster as the trade deadline approaches. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

While the market has soured on both stocks, there are strong indications that one firm—Robinhood—is in a position to turn the corner, thanks to its early momentum in new and emerging sectors like prediction markets and tokenized finance. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 29 July 2026

But Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has given little indication of the central bank’s next move. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 29 July 2026

Brookfield’s new fund is also an indication that global investors see opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify and develop its economy. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026

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)