What does indifference mean?
Indifference is the condition of showing little concern, interest, or emotional response toward people, events, or outcomes. In everyday use, it often implies that a person regards a matter as unimportant or is unwilling to become involved: a bystander may be criticized for showing indifference to another person's distress. The word can also have a more formal, approving sense of impartiality, describing an approach that is not influenced by personal preference or bias. This meaning is especially common in legal, political, and organizational contexts, where fairness requires treating opposing parties or alternatives evenhandedly. Indifference is closely related to apathy and disinterest, but it focuses more directly on a lack of concern or emotional engagement. While sometimes used to describe sensible detachment, it can also imply moral failure when someone remains unmoved by preventable suffering.
Lack of concern, interest, or emotional feeling toward a person, situation, or outcome.
"The company's indifference to customer complaints damaged its reputation."
Often critical, especially when describing an apparent disregard for suffering, injustice, or important consequences.
Impartiality or freedom from personal preference or bias.
"The decision was made with scrupulous indifference to the candidates' backgrounds."
This formal sense is neutral or approving and is often used in legal, political, and organizational contexts.
Indifference can sound neutral, but when aimed at injustice or suffering, it becomes a moral choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indifference come from?
Indifference entered English in the late 16th century from Latin indifferentia, a noun meaning lack of difference or distinction. Latin indifferentia was formed from indifferens, meaning not different, not distinct, or unbiased, ultimately from the roots in- and differ, “to be different.” English later developed the central senses of unconcern and impartiality from this history. The related English words indifferent, differ, and differential continue to reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How indifference is actually used
In its first sense, the word often carries a critical connotation, especially when describing a response to injustice, danger, or suffering. In the sense of impartiality, it is more neutral and formal.
Easily confused with indifference
Indifference suggests a lack of concern or emotional engagement, whereas disinterest often implies a voluntary or active absence of interest.
Indifference is a general lack of concern, while apathy more specifically suggests a lack of motivation, enthusiasm, or emotional responsiveness.