Indifferent
adjective
Definition
1. Not caring about or interested in someone or something.
2. Not good but not bad, mediocre.
2. Not good but not bad, mediocre.
Context Alive
The whole team was celebrating the big win. But Jake sat quietly in the corner, completely indifferent to the excitement around him. He didn’t clap, didn’t smile, didn’t even look up from his phone.
Meanings
2 meanings
1
Not Caring or Not Interested (Adjective)
Very Common
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This meaning is about having no interest or emotion toward something. Imagine telling your friend about a movie you loved. But she just shrugs and says “yeah, okay.” She seems completely indifferent — she doesn’t care one way or the other. This is being indifferent — showing no reaction or interest. You might say “he’s indifferent to politics” or “she seemed indifferent about where to eat.” Or picture a cat sitting on the sofa while you call its name. It doesn’t even look at you. Completely indifferent. The word carries a cold, emotionless feeling. ✏️ Being indifferent is stronger than “not interested” — it means you truly don’t care at all, not even a little.
Vivid ExampleThe manager announced major changes to the schedule. Most of the team reacted with worry. But Sara stayed completely indifferent to the news. She just shrugged and went back to her coffee.
2
Not Good but Not Bad, Mediocre (Adjective)
Less Common
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This meaning is about something that is average or unremarkable. Imagine going to a new restaurant that everyone recommended. But the food is just okay. Nothing special. Nothing terrible either. The meal was indifferent — it didn’t impress you or disappoint you. This is describing something as indifferent — just average. You might say “the team had an indifferent season” or “the movie got indifferent reviews.” Or picture a student who submits an indifferent essay — not bad enough to fail, but not good enough to stand out. The word suggests a lack of quality or effort. ✏️ This meaning is often used in British English and usually describes performances, results, or quality — not people.
Vivid ExampleThe band had been amazing last year, but tonight was different. They gave an indifferent performance that left the audience feeling flat. Nobody booed, but nobody cheered either.
Examples from the Street
“I asked him what he thought and he was completely indifferent.”
He didn’t care either way — he had zero opinion or interest
“She seemed indifferent to the whole situation.”
She showed no emotion or concern about what was happening — as if it didn’t affect her at all
“The food was indifferent at best.”
The food was mediocre — nothing special, not terrible but certainly not good
Common Patterns
indifferent to [something/someone] → showing no interest or concern about something — VERY COMMON
completely/totally/utterly indifferent → emphasising a total lack of care or emotion
seem/appear/look indifferent → give the impression of not caring
remain indifferent → continue to show no concern despite pressure or changing circumstances
indifferent about [something] → not bothered either way about a choice or situation
cold and indifferent → emotionally distant and uncaring (common pairing)
an indifferent [noun] → a below-average or unremarkable thing (an indifferent performance, an indifferent meal)
indifferent quality → not particularly good; mediocre standard
indifferent at best → mediocre even in the most generous assessment
Collocations
3 collocationscompletely indifferent
showing no interest or concern at all
indifferent to suffering
not caring about others' pain
indifferent attitude
a manner that shows no care or interest
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
He was completely indifferent to the news — he just shrugged and carried on eating
He showed absolutely no reaction to the announcement — he simply raised his shoulders and continued with his meal.
2
The government can’t remain indifferent to the suffering of thousands of homeless people
The authorities can’t keep ignoring or showing no concern for the hardship that thousands of people living on the streets are going through.
3
She seemed indifferent when I told her I was leaving the company
She appeared completely unbothered when I announced I was quitting — as though it made no difference to her.
4
How can you be so indifferent about your own health?
How can you care so little about your own physical wellbeing?
5
The audience was totally indifferent — nobody clapped, nobody reacted at all
The crowd showed zero engagement — there was no applause, no response whatsoever.
6
He gave a cold and indifferent response when she asked for help
He replied in a distant, uncaring way when she reached out for support.
7
The hotel was clean but the service was indifferent at best
The accommodation was tidy but the attention from staff was mediocre even by the most generous standard.
8
The team gave an indifferent performance and deserved to lose
The side played a lacklustre, uninspired match and the defeat was fully justified.
9
She remained indifferent throughout the argument, which only made him angrier
She stayed completely unmoved during the entire row, which only fuelled his frustration even more.
10
You can’t be indifferent to climate change — it affects every single one of us
You can’t just not care about the environmental crisis — it has consequences for absolutely everyone.
Learner Examples
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A teacher who seems indifferent to whether students succeed or fail will quickly lose their respect and motivation
An instructor who appears not to care about learners’ progress or struggles will rapidly lose both their trust and their willingness to try.
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Some students act completely indifferent in class, but behind that mask they’re often afraid of making mistakes in front of their classmates
Certain learners pretend not to care at all during lessons, but underneath that front they’re frequently scared of getting things wrong with everyone watching.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsapathetic
lack of interest
unconcerned
not worried
uninterested
doesn't care
nonchalant
casually unbothered
Antonymspassionate
deeply caring
concerned
worried about
enthusiastic
eager and excited