indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• clue
• cue
• hint
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

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

There’s no public indication of a federal inquiry into the Chevron merger. —Matthew Daly, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2023

The hot labor market that underpinned a surprisingly strong economy this year is showing signs of cooling, an indication that growth could ease in 2024. —Austen Hufford, WSJ, 5 Dec. 2023

This may not be the end of Spotify’s M&A Something that stopped me in Ek’s note was the indication that, after so many mergers that put so many people out of their jobs, the company is still not done with acquisitions. —Ariel Shapiro, The Verge, 5 Dec. 2023

While fentanyl use has skyrocketed in recent years, even among pregnant women, there is no indication that birth defects are rising. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2023

Nonetheless, the caucus results are the first definitive indication of where voters actually stand, after months and months of polling. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 4 Dec. 2023

The Times reviewed a number of cases at the Palmdale and Lancaster shelters that showed no indication that rescue requests were made. —Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2023

Relationships are based on trust, and disintegrating communication patterns are an indication that trust has eroded. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023

There are indications that young adults are increasingly concerned about the reliability of Social Security. —Martha C. White, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indication

• every indication

• every indication

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

—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)