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

In the distance, sandstone cliffs, as imposing as the outcroppings in a John Ford Western, loom over the unruly bacchanal—and over Luis and Esteban’s urgent search—with monumental indifference. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

To point outward is easy, and often justified—to Israel’s bombardment, to the world’s indifference, to the international systems that failed to stop this humanitarian nightmare. —Samer Sinijlawi, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

Gober said to establish gross negligence, the families will need to demonstrate that there was a conscious indifference to an extreme degree of risk of harm. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025

And in today’s environment, indifference costs more than investment ever will. —Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 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