indifference

noun

in·dif·fer·ence | \ in-ˈdi-fərn(t)s

, -f(ə-)rən(t)s\

Definition of indifference

1 : the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent

2a archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things

b : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about indifference

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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

But people living in shelters say the overhaul should start with the transfers themselves, which sometimes feel arbitrary, retaliatory or carried out with indifference. — New York Times, "Shuffled Among Homeless Shelters, and Not Told Why," 13 June 2019 People who burn out often feel a sense of emotional exhaustion or indifference, and may treat colleagues, clients, or patients in a detached or dehumanized way. — Michael Musker, Quartz at Work, "Are you suffering from burnout? Ask yourself four questions," 6 June 2019 Now, according to Politico, his anger toward Trump has morphed into something worse: indifference. — Margaret Hartmann, Daily Intelligencer, "John Kelly Doesn’t Care Enough to Save Trump From Himself," 19 June 2018 For musicians, new families often bring a warmth to their work, and an indifference to cool trends of the moment. — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, "Justin Timberlake’s Roots Run Deep," 14 Mar. 2018 And while Lynn at times showed indifference toward the music industry, her work has continued to circulate widely decades later, by a wide swath of musicians. — Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Empress of Gulf Coast Soul Barbara Lynn receives NEA honor," 20 June 2018 To break through the indifference, DwellBeing can create a to-do list tailored to your home, prodding an uninspired owner along with reminders and tips. — Ronda Kaysen, The Seattle Times, "Is it time to drain the water heater? There’s an app for that," 11 Feb. 2019 This sort of moral indifference -- who is to say if Sadler can or should make a joke like that about McCain? -- comes from the top. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, "The Trump administration is trying to turn the McCain death joke into a 'leak' scandal," 14 May 2018 Republicans’ indifference to democracy allows Trump to behave in a wild and dangerous fashion; in turn, Republicans defend Trump and further weaken the fundamentals of the democratic system. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, "The Republican Party versus democracy," 17 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indifference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.