cold indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold indifference" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used as a noun phrase to describe someone's lack of emotion or concern towards a situation or person. For example: - "Despite her pleas for help, the audience responded with cold indifference." - "His cold indifference towards the suffering of others was unsettling." - "The company's decision to lay off employees was met with cold indifference from the CEO." In these examples, "cold indifference" is used to describe a lack of empathy or emotion towards a situation or person. It can also be used in a more poetic or figurative sense, such as: - "The moon shone down on the deserted streets, casting its cold indifference over the city." In this example, the phrase is used to convey a sense of detachment or apathy towards the empty streets and the moon's cold, distant presence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

One reader recalled "undistinguished food, served with cold indifference".

The New York Times - Food

He had an interesting mean streak and the habits of cold indifference.

The New Yorker

Cold indifference "Indifference is a new means of misusing power," says Mr Lagrana.

The Economist

Even those who more fervently argued against impeachment had little but cold indifference for President Clinton.

The New York Times

She doesn't acknowledge the newer attitudes that women display in their conduct, among them cold indifference.

The New York Times

It is the absence of these which makes headlines and rightly shocks us, but cold indifference is not the norm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He went on: "In the light of what government is doing, you might well expect young blacks to lose hope in the power elites, but this is something different — a cold personal indifference, a separation of man from man.

The New York Times - Books

Soon she finds solace and perfection and warmth in sign language, instead of the cold silent indifference in the rest of her life.

Huffington Post

(In a way, Westworld is nothing more than Grand Theft Auto VR: Sweetwater.) The common bloodthirst of guests is contrasted with what is perhaps the most disturbing violence of all: the cold, unfeeling indifference with which Westworld employees regard their artificial charges, despite the fact that they look, feel, and act almost identically to human beings.

Vice

Perhaps more than any other African country, Sierra Leone -- where a nine-year civil war produced searing images of mutilated men, women and children -- came to symbolize the West's post-cold-war indifference to Africa and its conflicts.

The New York Times

In response to "cold-hearted indifference" experienced by the "poor, hungry, homeless, jobless, medically uninsured, undocumented, and on death row, our new pope needs to ceaselessly and courageously stand up and proclaim 'No!' to all of this cruel injustice".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cold indifference", ensure the context clearly conveys a lack of emotion or concern, often implying a negative or disapproving sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "cold indifference" when simple disinterest or lack of knowledge is more accurate. "Cold indifference" implies a conscious and often negative emotional detachment, not just a lack of interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold indifference" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of emotional detachment or lack of concern, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cold indifference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a lack of emotion or concern, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a slightly more frequent usage in News & Media. While similar phrases like "emotional detachment" or "callous disregard" offer nuanced alternatives, "cold indifference" effectively conveys a conscious and often criticized absence of empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detached apathy

Similar to "cold indifference" but focuses on the lack of feeling rather than active coldness.

emotional detachment

Focuses on the separation from emotions, rather than the outward display of indifference.

distant unconcern

Highlights the emotional distance and lack of worry.

aloof disregard

Highlights a sense of superiority or distance in the lack of concern.

apathetic neglect

Emphasizes the lack of caring and the resulting failure to attend to something or someone.

callous disregard

Focuses on the insensitive and cruel nature of the indifference.

heartless disregard

Emphasizes the cruelty and lack of compassion in the indifference.

unemotional neglect

Highlights a lack of emotion and the resulting failure to care for something.

stony apathy

Emphasizes a hard, unfeeling lack of interest or concern.

clinical detachment

Suggests a detached, analytical view, devoid of personal feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "cold indifference" in a sentence?

You can use "cold indifference" to describe a lack of emotion or concern. For example: "The politician's "cold indifference" to the plight of the refugees was widely criticized."

What's a less harsh way to describe a lack of concern?

Instead of "cold indifference", consider using phrases like "emotional detachment" or "distant unconcern" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "cold indifference" and apathy?

"Cold indifference" implies a conscious lack of feeling or concern, potentially with a negative connotation. Apathy, while also a lack of feeling, doesn't necessarily imply the same conscious detachment. It can simply indicate a lack of interest or motivation.

Is "cold indifference" a formal or informal expression?

"Cold indifference" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a somewhat strong emotional charge. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.