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

Some others face their last two days of work with the jubilant indifference of a senior on the last day of school before summer break. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026

The Weeknd grasps at casual indifference, at the tranquility of the Stoics, the impassivity of the unmoved man. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

The carousel of coordinators has reinforced Hurts’ indifference to how an offense looks — to fans, to foes, to fence-sitters — so long as the Eagles win. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Instead, the general indifference shown toward its own story — or, at least, the best versions of it — comes to emphasize the emptiness at its core. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2026

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