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

2

a

: absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

b

archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things

Synonyms

• apathy
• casualness
• complacence
• disinterestedness
• disregard
• incuriosity
• incuriousness
• insouciance
• nonchalance
• torpor
• unconcern

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

The series is less effectively empathetic toward the victim or toward the plight of adolescent girls — though perhaps that’s a reflection of societal indifference. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025

Despite societal indifference toward syphilis, in the 2020s over 8 million new cases occur globally each year, particularly among racial minorities and low-income populations. —Powel H. Kazanjian, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025

This type of indifference to children’s humanity led to the deaths of Kalief Browder in New York and Kayelyn Drake in Mississippi. —James L. Dold, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2025

Lives lived: Marian Turski, a Holocaust survivor who after World War II warned the world about the dangers of indifference to injustice, died at 98. —Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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