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indifference

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

Definition of indifference

1 : the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent
2a archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things
b : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about indifference

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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

 On July 15, 1968, Bowler spotted charcoal and bone fragments by Mungo’s shoreline, but the news was greeted with indifference back at ANU. — David Maurice Smith, Smithsonian, "A 42,000-Year-Old Man Finally Goes Home," 23 Aug. 2019 Trump underscored his indifference to democracy Tuesday on Twitter. — E.j. Dionne Jr., The Mercury News, "Dionne: Trump’s China policy focuses on trade, yet ignores our values," 15 Aug. 2019 Trans people who need abortions have to deal with a medical establishment that treats them with indifference at best and outright cruelty at worst. — Caitlin Van Horn, Allure, "Trans and Nonbinary People Get Abortions, Too," 30 July 2019 Its indifference bleeds, literally, across state lines. — Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, "The moms went to Richmond to demand action on gun violence. Instead, they were ignored.," 11 July 2019 As such posts have become some of the most popular, moneymaking content being viewed and shared, social media executives simply cannot excuse their indifference. — Alexander Heffner, WIRED, "Greed Is to Blame for the Radicalization of Social Media," 30 June 2019 Their seeming indifference to coolness showed them to be cool in that way that doesn’t involve trying. — John Adamian, courant.com, "Third Eye Blind co-headlining mini fest at Oakdale," 28 June 2019 The idea that women should be idolized for acting as antisocial as men derives from both the juvenile cynicism of the publishing industry and the ethical indifference of political activists. — Armond White, National Review, "The Kitchen Is a Berserk, Female-Revenge Fantasy — and a Bad Movie," 9 Aug. 2019 Megan Rapinoe spoke eloquently Saturday about the indifference to the women’s game that is endemic in FIFA and some federations. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Messages matter, and teams in World Cup final send good one with female coaches," 7 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indifference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of indifference

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for indifference

indifference

noun
How to pronounce indifference (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of indifference

: lack of interest in or concern about something : an indifferent attitude or feeling

See the full definition for indifference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence | \ in-ˈdi-fə-rəns How to pronounce indifference (audio) , -ˈdi-frəns\

Kids Definition of indifference

: lack of interest or concern He treated the matter with indifference.

indifference

noun
in·​dif·​fer·​ence | \ in-ˈdif-ərn(t)s, -ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce indifference (audio) \

Medical Definition of indifference

: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent a schizophrenic reaction accompanied by apathy and indifference

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