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

At a southwest Fort Worth apartment complex, the dancer, Shaquoia Kelly, got out of the car and walked away with indifference 30 seconds before two accomplices moved in and one shot Lawrence Homan, homicide detectives concluded. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026

His inquiry surfaces a history of abuse, homophobia, and despair, and the film uses the tragedy to probe questions of moral accountability and collective indifference in Hong Kong. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026

After hours of debate, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill by a single vote that changes the penalty for murder with extreme indifference. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Literature’s loss of cultural authority is due in part to funding cuts, book bannings, and political attacks on higher education, but the overwhelming driver of its diminishment may be our own indifference. —Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 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