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

This week’s report about yet another death at a county jail run by the Sheriff’s Department was painfully familiar in its portrait of cruel indifference to the health of inmates and the overt signs the agency isn’t being truthful about key events in the tragedy. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

One partner may interpret the other’s lack of responsiveness as indifference, while the other may simply not realize anything is amiss. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

An indifference to fortune was, paradoxically, the prerogative of the fortunate. —January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025

In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between. —Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 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