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

If practice is any indication, the Snowballs are naturals. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

So far there is no indication that oil production or shipping infrastructure were targeted in Saturday’s attacks, either by the US and Israel against Iran, or as a result of Iran’s retaliatory strikes. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026

The Venezuela raid was lasted hours, but early indications point to the Iran attacks being the start of a more expansive, longer offensive. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026

If production stills are any indication, his backdrop will provide flair for what’s actually a small collection show. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 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)