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

was shocked by their indifference to the issue

struggles that were treated with indifference by the government

2

a

: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

observed with cool indifference

b

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

Synonyms of indifference

• 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

Throwing one’s hands up, in resignation or indifference, captures the anarchy that seems to characterize our digital lives. —Roger J. Kreuz, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025

In moments, its blade will deposit a berm of ice chunks in front of your once pristine driveway with cold indifference. —Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2025

As the Front Range obsesses over a 10-2 Broncos team and the Nuggets’ sudden indifference to defense, Nasty Nate is quietly painting his professional masterpiece across Ball Arena’s frozen canvas. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 3 Dec. 2025

These are not numbers that favor steady-as-she-goes indifference to the climate. —Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Dec. 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