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

Many of the deaths were preventable and due to a combination of staff incompetence and cruel indifference. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025

The Modi government’s indifference to the ecological and human costs of this endeavor is not surprising. —M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025

The second is an indie approach that’s often more confrontational, irreverent and angry at the injustice and indifference AIDS patients faced. —Scott Malia, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025

The indifference extended even to Bubs, foamy, marshmallow-adjacent disks from Sweden that surged on TikTok last year, causing a global shortage. —Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 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