indifference

[ in-dif-er-uhns, -dif-ruhns ]

noun

1. lack of interest or concern:

   We were shocked by their indifference toward poverty.

   Antonyms: eagerness, responsiveness

2. unimportance; little or no concern:

   Whether or not to attend the party is a matter of indifference to him.

3. the quality or condition of being indifferent.
4. mediocre quality; mediocrity.
5. Baseball. the absence of effort by the defense to prevent a stolen base:

   For the second time this inning, a Brewer has taken second base on indifference.

indifference

/ ɪnˈdɪfrəns; -fərəns /

noun

1. the fact or state of being indifferent; lack of care or concern
2. lack of quality; mediocrity
3. lack of importance; insignificance
4. See principle of indifference

Other Words From

• super·in·differ·ence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indifference¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, variant of indifferency, from Latin indifferentia; indifferent, -ence, -ency

Synonym Study

Indifference, unconcern, listlessness, apathy, insensibility all imply lack of feeling. Indifference denotes an absence of feeling or interest; unconcern, an absence of concern or solicitude, a calm or cool indifference in the face of what might be expected to cause uneasiness or apprehension; listlessness, an absence of inclination or interest, a languid indifference to what is going on about one; apathy, a profound intellectual and emotional indifference suggestive of faculties either naturally sluggish or dulled by emotional disturbance, mental illness, or prolonged sickness; insensibility, an absence of capacity for feeling or of susceptibility to emotional influences.

Example Sentences

Whether Dr. Sasse’s indifference to the rankings led to his resignation is unclear, but the chasm between the president and the board of trustees seemed to develop as the university’s rankings status became more tenuous.

From New York Times

As seasoned observers see it, Washington is now paying the price for years of indifference towards its neighbours and their needs.

From BBC

As with birtherism his casual indifference to policy details, along with his made-up fantasy narratives, makes the gaslighting involved far more central.

From Salon

The report said the data indicates "an apparent indifference to the death of civilians and the impact of the means and methods of warfare".

From BBC

What has galled many Trump detractors is the apparent indifference Latino supporters of the president-elect have about his loyalty to right-wing, racist groups, his immigrant scapegoating and his own racist remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alienation
• apathy
• callousness
• carelessness
• disdain
• disinterest
• disregard
• inattention
• inertia
• insensitivity
• lack
• negligence
• nonchalance