exhibited indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhibited indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone shows a lack of interest or concern about something. Example: "Despite the serious nature of the discussion, she exhibited indifference, scrolling through her phone instead of paying attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

All four ions exhibited either synergy or additivity with *ARVA for all organisms tested with the exception of *ARVA combined with NaF against Candida albicans which exhibited indifference.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes

Meanwhile, H1, H2, and H3 exhibited indifference effects when they were combined with conventional antibiotics.

AMB Express

It stalled, weakened, or exhibited indifference to some overdue reforms, and it even took some highly adverse actions against animal protection.

Huffington Post

Instead of antagonism, the combination of MUC7 12-mer and Ca2+ exhibited indifference (FICi 2.5) for the inhibition of S. mutans growth.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They also railed against a newer strip aimed at a younger audience, "La Cucaracha," about a group of 20-somethings living in East Los Angeles, while exhibiting indifference toward another, "Jump Start," about a black family.

The New York Times

Therefore many New Yorkers and Americans in general are starting to exhibit indifference to salacious stories involving pols, and seem to be coming around to the European view: that a pol's private life is not the public's business, as long as this private life is not illegal and does not negatively affect the work he has been elected to do.

Huffington Post

Barr, in justifying the new policy, cited the Supreme Court's ruling in June that prisoners who file lawsuits over inhumane living conditions must show prison officials exhibited "deliberate indifference" to their rights, Justice Department officials said.

The Washington Post

She gave her heart to establishing the Museum of Modern Art, toward which Junior exhibited "granite indifference". By the time Abby dies in 1948, the life begins to drain from this story.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, even the most casual visitor cannot view the works exhibited with indifference.

Los Angeles Times

During Operation Protective Edge, Israeli forces exhibited "callous indifference" to the devastation wrought on civilian lives and properties in attacks that were "clearly disproportionate" to their military gains, the group said. .

Vice

Some listings also imply a degree of dissatisfaction on the part of the customer; in the 1773 edition, Miss Dean exhibited "great indifference" while entertaining her client, busying herself by cracking nuts while he was "acting his joys".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhibited indifference" when you want to emphasize an observable lack of interest or concern, especially in situations where some reaction might be expected.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "exhibited indifference" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't care" or "showed no interest" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhibited indifference" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "exhibited" is the main verb and "indifference" is the direct object. It describes the action of displaying a lack of interest or concern, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exhibited indifference" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to describe a displayed lack of interest or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While acceptable, it leans toward a formal register, making simpler alternatives preferable in casual contexts. When aiming for precision in formal descriptions or reports, "exhibited indifference" effectively conveys an observable lack of emotional engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showed apathy

Focuses more on the emotional state of lacking feeling or emotion.

displayed disinterest

Highlights the lack of interest being actively shown.

manifested unconcern

Emphasizes the outward display of a lack of worry or care.

demonstrated a lack of interest

A more descriptive and less direct way of stating the lack of interest.

remained aloof

Indicates a detached and distant attitude, which can imply indifference.

acted unconcerned

Focuses on the actions and behavior that reflect a lack of concern.

feigned disinterest

Suggests the indifference is not genuine but pretended.

gave the cold shoulder

An idiom indicating a dismissive or unfriendly attitude.

was unmoved

Highlights the lack of emotional response, suggesting indifference.

paid no attention

Focuses on the act of ignoring or disregarding something.

FAQs

What does "exhibited indifference" mean?

The phrase "exhibited indifference" means to outwardly display a lack of interest, concern, or feeling about something. It suggests a noticeable absence of emotional engagement or investment.

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

You can use "exhibited indifference" to describe someone's behavior or attitude. For example: "Despite the urgency of the situation, he "exhibited indifference", continuing to browse his phone."

What are some alternatives to "exhibited indifference"?

Alternatives to "exhibited indifference" include "showed apathy", "displayed disinterest", or "manifested unconcern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "showed indifference" or "exhibited indifference"?

Both "showed indifference" and "exhibited indifference" are grammatically correct. "Exhibited indifference" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the outward display of the lack of concern, while "showed indifference" is more straightforward.