indifferent

Everyday

1. If you are indifferent to something, you do not care about it or are not interested in it. tree →
2. Not very good; only ordinary or rather poor: an indifferent meal. tree →

In the lessons

In stories: «he seemed indifferent to the danger», a character who does not care. In reviews and reports (sense 2): «the food was indifferent», «an indifferent player». Often followed by «to»: indifferent to the cold.

Examples

• The cat was indifferent to the dog barking outside. tree →
• Tom seemed indifferent to winning or losing. tree →
• How can you be indifferent when your friend is sad? tree →
• The hotel was lovely, but the food was indifferent. tree →
• He is an indifferent swimmer but a great runner. tree →
• She answered in an indifferent voice. tree →
• Most people were indifferent to the new rule. tree →
• ‘If he did hear me,’ she said, ‘could he remain so cruelly indifferent? tree →

Note

Use «to», not «about», in formal writing: indifferent to praise. Trap: «indifferent» does not mean «different»; it means «not caring» or «so-so». Noun: indifference.