indifferent to

USAGE SUMMARY

'indifferent to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a lack of feeling or interest in something. For example, "The students were indifferent to their teacher's lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hester was indifferent to this.

The New Yorker

I became indifferent to death.

The New Yorker

I'm indifferent to it.

The Guardian - Sport

Most non-drivers seem indifferent to them.

The Economist

Is it indifferent to the third world?

The Economist

"I cannot be indifferent to its suffering".

The New York Times

She was indifferent to rock and roll.

The New Yorker

We cannot remain indifferent to their plight.

The New York Times

Johns appears indifferent to his critics.

The New Yorker

She is indifferent to the past.

The New Yorker

Scarcely anyone seemed indifferent to him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indifferent to" to describe a neutral lack of interest or concern, rather than active dislike or opposition. For example, "She was indifferent to the outcome of the game."

Common error

Avoid using "indifferent to" when you mean someone is simply unaware or uninformed. Indifference implies a conscious lack of concern, not a lack of knowledge. For instance, instead of saying "He was indifferent to the rules," say "He was unaware of the rules" if he simply didn't know them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indifferent to" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of emotional detachment or lack of concern. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indifferent to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms that it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. The phrase functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate emotional detachment or neutrality. While alternatives like "unconcerned about" or "apathetic towards" exist, "indifferent to" maintains a neutral tone and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disinterested in

Indicates a lack of personal interest or investment.

unconcerned about

This phrase emphasizes a lack of worry or anxiety regarding something.

unresponsive to

Highlights a lack of reaction or engagement.

unmoved by

This suggests a lack of emotional response or influence.

apathetic towards

Implies a general lack of enthusiasm or care.

detached from

Suggests a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

oblivious to

Indicates unawareness or a lack of perception.

impervious to

Implies an inability to be affected or influenced.

complacent about

Suggests self-satisfaction and a lack of motivation to change.

callous towards

Suggests a lack of empathy or sensitivity.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "indifferent to" something?

Being "indifferent to" something means having a lack of interest or concern for it. It implies a neutral stance, neither liking nor disliking, but simply not caring about the outcome or the matter at hand.

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

You can use "indifferent to" to describe someone's attitude or feeling towards a particular subject or situation. For example: "The government seems "unconcerned about" the plight of the poor." or "She was "unmoved by" his pleas for forgiveness."

Which is a better alternative to "indifferent to", depending on the context?

Alternatives to "indifferent to" include phrases like "unconcerned about", "unmoved by", "apathetic towards" or "disinterested in". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, from simple lack of interest to a more pronounced lack of emotional response.

Is it better to use "indifferent to" or "indifferent towards"?

"Indifferent to" is generally preferred and more common than "indifferent towards". While both are grammatically acceptable, "indifferent to" is the more idiomatic and frequently used expression.