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

More than six weeks later, authorities are still investigating and have given no public indication that a crime occurred. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

And if history is any indication, expect safety Tre’von Moehrig to be in the middle of things when the pads start poppin’ at the Panthers’ joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Jags’ practice facility. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

But the rest of the pecking order provides depth, and the early indication is that each running back on the chart will get his opportunities. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

But if last year’s anti-DOGE protests are any indication, Democratic voters’ enthusiasm for Moskowitz is a mixed bag. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 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)