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

And yes, this does lead her to develop a shocking indifference toward human life. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Kuhnel allowed the Cardinals’ first run of the game as Nathan Church singled, advanced to second on defensive indifference, then scored easily on a single by Bryan Torres. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2026

The reason most teams stop there is not indifference as much as compromise. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Activists fused mourning and militance, fighting against indifference to the lives of gay men and, later, people of color and intravenous drug users. — Robert W. Snyder, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 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