indifference

noun

in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But at a 2% real return, that point of indifference goes up to 83. Raul Elizalde, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 The state’s indifference has left districts on their own, notching defeats and some small victories, like Ivan, who ultimately realized his behavior was undermining his future. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 Venis’ total indifference toward the chaos he’s caused, and his repudiation of responsibility for it, is completely in line with how Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg and their colleagues responded to potential come-to-Jesus moments like the 2016 election or the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar. Alison Herman, Variety, 31 May 2025 In interviews, the soldiers complained of lack of leave, corruption among superiors and the indifference of their compatriots. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indifference

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indifference was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio)
-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 How to pronounce indifference (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference

More from Merriam-Webster on indifference

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