display indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's lack of interest or concern about a particular situation or issue. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she continued to display indifference, as if nothing mattered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That McCarthy was temperamentally suited to display indifference to practical considerations might have been a liability in other times (though he was, after all, a highly successful vote-getter in Minnesota); but in 1968 indifference made a difference.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Our results show that the active participants displayed indifference to the fitness and exercise profiles of others, disregarding information about others' fitness levels, exercise preferences, and workout experiences, instead selecting partners almost entirely on the basis of similarities on gender, age, and BMI.

Social Science & Medicine

In one archive clip, when a journalist tries to make her life story analogous to that of Dido, the musician humours her, feigning sincerity long after her face displays indifference-cum-weariness.

Vice

In one archive clip, when a journalist tries to make her life story analogous to that of Dido, the musician humors her, feigning sincerity long after her face displays indifference-cum-weariness.

Vice

That's not a particularly convincing display of indifference.

The Guardian

These organisations frequently display an indifference and social ineptitude eerily like that of autistic children themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Echoing Mr. Silver, the Manhattan borough president, Scott M. Stringer, called Mr. Klein's use of his emergency powers a "brazen display of indifference" and ended his statement: "Oh, come on".

The New York Times

At Oxford University, examinations were held on Jubilee Day, in a display of indifference.The Silver Jubilee is not really about the monarchy, asserts a file from south Wiltshire: the day is about "people wanting a bit of fun".

The Economist

Pell has sought legal advice in a war of words with Saunders after the abuse victim claimed that Pell had been "almost sociopathic" in his display of indifference towards other victims.

The Guardian

That mass display of indifference seemed, if nothing else, to illuminate the central paradox of the broad dysfunction between European citizens and the European political institutions from which they feel generally estranged: only by making the politics irrelevant do Europeans protest irrelevance itself.

The New York Times

Far from it, and regardless of intent, it has been interpreted by some as a display of indifference to the issue of sexual assault and to victims of sexual violence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "display indifference" when you want to describe a visible lack of interest or concern, particularly in situations where one might expect the opposite. For example, "The company displayed indifference to the environmental impact of their operations."

Common error

Avoid using "display indifference" when you simply mean someone is indifferent. "Display" implies an outward showing. Indifference itself can be passive; the displaying requires action, whether intentional or unintentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display indifference" functions as a verb phrase where "display" acts as a transitive verb taking "indifference" as its direct object. It describes the act of outwardly showing a lack of concern or interest, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples of individuals or entities outwardly revealing their lack of concern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "display indifference" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe the outward manifestation of a lack of concern or interest. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "show apathy" or "exhibit disinterest" exist, "display indifference" emphasizes the observable act of showing a lack of care. A key consideration is to ensure the phrase is used accurately, implying an active showing rather than a passive state of being indifferent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express lack of interest

Directly states the act of showing that one is not interested. Very literal and clear.

feign indifference

Highlights that the lack of concern is not genuine and is being pretended. It emphasizes the insincerity of the display.

show apathy

Replaces "display indifference" with a more direct term for lack of emotion or concern. Uses a synonym for indifference, providing a more concise alternative.

act unconcerned

Focuses on the behavior of appearing not worried. Specifically highlights the action of behaving without concern.

exhibit disinterest

Uses a different verb to convey the act of showing a lack of interest. Emphasizes the lack of interest specifically.

manifest apathy

Employs "manifest" to suggest an outward demonstration of apathy. It's a stronger, more formal alternative.

give off an air of unconcern

Suggests a subtle, almost atmospheric display of not caring. Implies a less direct, more ambient expression.

reveal unconcern

Highlights the lack of worry or care being shown. Focuses on the absence of concern.

demonstrate nonchalance

Indicates a casual lack of concern, often deliberately displayed. Adds a nuance of deliberate casualness.

project detachment

Implies an effort to appear separate or uninvolved. Emphasizes the act of projecting an image of being detached.

FAQs

How to use "display indifference" in a sentence?

You can use "display indifference" when you want to describe someone showing a lack of interest or concern. For example: "The politician "displayed indifference" to the plight of the refugees."

What can I say instead of "display indifference"?

You can use alternatives like "show apathy", "exhibit disinterest", or "manifest apathy" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "display indifference" or "show indifference"?

"Display indifference" and "show indifference" are quite similar, but "display" implies a more visible or outward demonstration. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "feign indifference"?

To "feign indifference" means to pretend to be uninterested or unconcerned, even if you actually care. It suggests a deliberate act of concealing one's true feelings.