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.
This can manifest as indifference to employee concerns or an inability to see things from their perspective. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The first part of the novel is taken up by her pursuit of Marlowe’s attention, which persists despite his initial indifference to her. Laila Lalami, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 That apparent indifference on this key question will force the House and Senate to attempt to resolve their differences among themselves. Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 Where the novel viewed race with passive indifference, the musical faced it head-on, building out peripheral Black characters and opening with a Black chorus, followed in the same scene by a white one, integrating what was typically kept on separate stages. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 8 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near indifference

Cite this Entry

“Indifference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indifference. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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