indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards something or someone. Example: "Her indifference to the suffering of others was shocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, the response of the majority of the Irish public, whose attitude veers from a warm welcome to benign indifference, also underlines how isolated the republican dissidents are in modern Ireland.

The Guardian

I used to think any indifference was benign.

The Guardian

Enraged by this apparent indifference, Ezekwesili and others organised a march to the national assembly in the capital, Abuja.

The Guardian

But like Canberra itself – stunted in infancy by decades of bureaucratic meddling, political indifference and the economic impact of the second world war – the George V monument faltered along, taking almost two decades to finish.

The Guardian

As for Zygielbojm, he was dismayed at the public indifference to his detailed and chilling revelation of mass murder.

The Guardian

"I see only the overwhelming indifference of nature.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A mix of indifference and incuriosity ensured they never did.

The Guardian - Opinion

In step with Obama's call for better data in policing, and a public outcry for information about police use-of-force in general, policing leaders are increasingly admitting that carelessness, defensiveness – or, in the worst cases, indifference – does play a role in the failure of the country to track officer-related deaths.

The Guardian

Jonathan's perceived casual indifference to the suffering of his people was compounded when he was photographed celebrating his niece's lavish wedding just a few days after Boko Haram had killed 2,000 people in the town of Baga.

The Guardian

"It is due to the insistence of certain institutional actors on submitting absurd proposals and displaying a total indifference to the recent democratic choice of the Greek people".

The Guardian - Business

When a few days earlier Farage popped into another Kentish pub, in Faversham, he sparked a mini walk-out, but mainly indifference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indifference", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – is it a lack of concern, a lack of interest, or a more profound apathy? Choose synonyms carefully to reflect the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "indifference" when you mean simple "disinterest". "Indifference" implies a lack of concern even when concern is warranted, whereas "disinterest" simply means a lack of interest, without necessarily implying a negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indifference" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of being or a quality. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently used to describe a lack of concern or interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academic

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indifference" is a noun that describes a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. As Ludwig AI states, the word is correct and usable in written English. It is a very common term, particularly in news and media contexts. While "indifference" is often used interchangeably with terms like "apathy" and "disinterest", it's important to consider the specific nuance each term conveys. Remember to use "indifference to" rather than "indifference towards" for better clarity. As shown by the examples, avoid confusing simple "disinterest" with "indifference".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apathy

Highlights a lack of feeling or emotion.

disinterest

Indicates a neutral or unbiased stance, sometimes implying a lack of engagement.

lack of interest

Directly points to the absence of curiosity or enthusiasm.

lack of concern

Focuses on the absence of worry or care.

nonchalance

Suggests a casual lack of concern or enthusiasm.

lack of empathy

Highlights the absence of understanding or sharing the feelings of others.

unresponsiveness

Emphasizes a failure to react or respond.

detachment

Conveys a sense of emotional distance or separation.

passivity

Implies a lack of active participation or involvement.

aloofness

Indicates a distant and reserved attitude.

FAQs

How to use "indifference" in a sentence?

You can use "indifference" to describe a lack of interest or concern, as in "His "indifference" to their plight was shocking" or "The public responded with "indifference" to the proposed changes".

What can I say instead of "indifference"?

You can use alternatives like "apathy", "unconcern", or "disinterest" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "indifference towards" or "indifference to"?

Both "indifference towards" and "indifference to" are grammatically correct, although "indifference to" is more common and generally preferred.

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

"Indifference" generally suggests a lack of interest or concern, while "apathy" implies a deeper lack of feeling or emotion, often associated with a lack of motivation or energy.