indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

-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

Synonyms

• disregard

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

Soliman, a 45-year-old from Egypt, is now facing two first-degree murder charges – one for extreme indifference and the other with intent and after deliberation, the district attorney’s office said. —Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 30 June 2025

The first count is first-degree murder under an extreme indifference theory and the second count is first-degree murder with intent after deliberation. —Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 June 2025

Barrington, who was 18 years old at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault with extreme indifference to human life during a hearing in April. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025

Colors pop with splendid promise, but the raw indifference of the natural world remains. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indifference

• difference

Kids Definition

indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s 

-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 

: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent

a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference