indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• clue
• cue
• hint
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class.

There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Singles’ Day, which occurs annually on November 11, could be an indication of whether Chinese consumers will regain a fixation with ultra-low deals from e-commerce providers as Western consumers increase their consumption of value items. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 21 June 2024

Celeste and Roger Brouillard pulled their son from Shrub Oak because of indications he was harmed there, records show. —Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 20 June 2024

Copa América will be a World Cup test for the USMNT as well (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press) The 2026 World Cup will be a defining moment for the U.S., and the Copa might give an indication how the national team will be defined. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024

Both are already sold out, the Orioles have announced, and if Friday’s game is any indication, those fans are in for quite a show. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indication

• every indication

Kids Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the action of indicating

2

: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure

postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives

—C. H. Thienes

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)