indifference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indifference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of interest or concern about something or someone. Example: "Her indifference to the outcome of the project surprised her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indifference to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has a robust indifference to eternity.

The Economist

Schaller deplores the indifference to conservation.

The New Yorker

Indifference to its newsrooms, and indifference to the past.

The Guardian

Her confidantes counsel indifference to Renaud's passion.

The New York Times - Arts

People showing indifference to right and wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Look at its indifference to human life.

The New York Times - Arts

I see how indifference to child culture was in no way indifference to children.

The New Yorker

Or perhaps it's the plant's indifference to light and water.

The New York Times

Indeed, it exults in a proud indifference to backstory.

The New Yorker

The perceived indifference to sweat was part of the show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indifference to", ensure that the object of indifference is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "indifference to suffering" is more precise than simply "indifference".

Common error

Avoid using "indifference to" when the intended meaning is active dislike or opposition. "Indifference" implies a lack of feeling, not a negative feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indifference to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a lack of interest, concern, or emotional response towards a particular subject or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indifference to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of interest or concern regarding something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "lack of interest in" or "apathy towards" exist, "indifference to" provides a clear and direct way to convey a neutral or negative attitude. Ensure the object of indifference is clearly specified for clarity. While the phrase is commonly used, users should be mindful to not use it to express the opposite idea: active dislike or opposition. Doing so will lead to confusion. The phrase is most commonly found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of interest in

Focuses on the absence of curiosity or enthusiasm regarding something.

apathy towards

Emphasizes a lack of feeling or emotion toward something.

unconcern for

Highlights a lack of worry or care about something.

disregard for

Suggests a deliberate ignoring or overlooking of something.

lack of attention to

Focuses on not paying heed or giving importance to something.

nonchalance about

Implies a cool and casual lack of concern.

disinterest in

Highlights a lack of wanting to be involved or know about something.

passivity regarding

Emphasizes a lack of active response or involvement.

insensitivity to

Focuses on a lack of awareness or concern for others' feelings.

unresponsiveness to

Highlights a lack of reaction or reply to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "indifference to" to describe a lack of concern or interest in something. For example, "His "indifference to" the project's outcome was evident".

What are some alternatives to "indifference to"?

Alternatives to "indifference to" include "lack of interest in", "apathy towards", or "unconcern for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "indifference for" instead of "indifference to"?

While the intended meaning might be understood, "indifference to" is the standard and grammatically correct form. Using "indifference for" is generally considered incorrect.

What's the difference between "indifference to" and "callousness towards"?

"Indifference to" implies a lack of concern or interest, while "callousness towards" suggests a more active and insensitive disregard for the feelings of others. Callousness implies a harsher, more negative attribute.