Word
indifferent
Meanings
Not interested in or caring about something; having no strong opinion.
Neither good nor bad; only average in quality.
Definition
Not interested, concerned, or affected by something.
If someone is indifferent, they do not care much about a particular person, thing, or outcome. It often suggests a lack of strong feelings either for or against something. It can describe a person’s attitude, or how something seems not to matter to them.
Examples
- I was indifferent to the outcome because neither option changed my daily routine.
- You can’t stay indifferent when colleagues are clearly struggling and asking for support.
- He sounded indifferent during the interview, as if the role meant little to him.
- She remained indifferent to the criticism, focusing instead on improving her work.
- They were indifferent about where to meet, so I chose a place near the station.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse indifferent with unbiased; indifferent means 'not caring,' not simply 'fair' or 'neutral.'
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.