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

• apathy
• casualness
• complacence
• disinterestedness
• disregard
• incuriosity
• incuriousness
• insouciance
• nonchalance
• torpor
• unconcern

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

In April of 2021, ACLU lawyers took on the case and in 2023, a U.S. District Court ruled in Clark’s favor, concluding that her rights were violated and that the plaintiffs in the case, responsible for her care, displayed deliberate indifference. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 July 2024

Matt Chapman doubled with one out, took third base on defensive indifference and scored on Conforto’s groundout. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 7 July 2024

The other is proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Baldwin acted with total disregard or indifference for the safety of others. —CBS News, 7 July 2024

On the other side of the coin, judges and prosecutors frequently misinterpret behaviors associated with intellectual disability as signs of indifference or guilt. —Katie Kronick, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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