indifferent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indifferent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards something or someone. Example: "She remained indifferent to the criticism, choosing to focus on her own goals instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What happened four months ago is forgotten, whether that's good, bad or indifferent.

The Guardian - Sport

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

Mirabella denies that she has ignored the electorate and says she has been fighting for better rural services for the past six years, only to be stymied by an indifferent Labor government.

The Guardian

"An Evernote user isn't currently bringing in 10 less motivated, slightly indifferent people to use it.

The Guardian - Tech

I was accused of being indifferent to dishonesty in public life (Carmichael initially denied all knowledge of the leaked memo in which Nicola Sturgeon supposedly told the French ambassador she would prefer a Tory victory).

The Guardian

It was, quite simply, ham acting; or perhaps it is truer to say it was indifferent acting whose negative qualities were brought out by a ropey script and hamfisted directing.

The Guardian - Film

Jainchill added: "I am personally very disappointed at the nonchalant, almost indifferent way that a serious crime, involving the most vulnerable of our "clients" – displaced children in a refugee camp – was (NOT) dealt with".

The Guardian

This doesn't mean that politics doesn't matter to French people in the provinces but simply that they have become indifferent to Paris.

The Guardian

"The EU has been completely indifferent to us.

The Guardian

We are blasé, in the sense that Georg Simmel used that word in 1903, meaning "indifferent to the distinction between things".

The Guardian - Books

So new research commissioned by Catholic Voices suggesting LGBT people are indifferent to the coalition's proposals seems set to add fuel to the fire.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "indifferent" to convey a sense of apathy or detachment, ensuring it aligns with the character's overall personality and motivations.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "indifferent" in highly formal or professional writing where more nuanced terms like "impartial" or "neutral" might be more appropriate to convey objectivity rather than apathy.

Linguistic Context

The word "indifferent" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of lacking interest, concern, or sympathy. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns to indicate a passive or neutral attitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "indifferent" functions as an adjective to describe a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its frequent occurrence in contexts like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science shows its versatility. When writing, be mindful of the subtle differences between "indifferent" and alternatives like "apathetic" or "unconcerned" to ensure the most accurate portrayal of the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apathetic

Indicates a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

unconcerned

Highlights a lack of worry or anxiety.

uninterested

Emphasizes a lack of curiosity or engagement.

impartial

Focuses on a lack of bias or favoritism.

neutral

Suggests a position of not taking sides.

detached

Implies emotional distance or aloofness.

unresponsive

Highlights a lack of reaction or feedback.

nonchalant

Indicates a casual lack of concern.

dispassionate

Emphasizes freedom from emotion or bias.

lackadaisical

Suggests a lazy or apathetic attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "indifferent" in a sentence?

You can use "indifferent" to describe someone's lack of interest or concern, for example: "He was "indifferent" to their plight."

What are some alternatives to "indifferent"?

Alternatives include "apathetic", "unconcerned", or "neutral", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "indifferent to" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Indifferent" is often followed by the preposition "to" to indicate what someone is apathetic or unconcerned about.

What's the difference between "indifferent" and "uninterested"?

"Indifferent" implies a lack of concern or emotional investment, while "uninterested" simply means lacking interest or curiosity. Someone might be "uninterested" in a topic they know little about, but "indifferent" suggests a deeper level of apathy.