indication

American  

[in-di-key-shuhn] / ˌɪn dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

indications plural

1. anything serving to indicate or point out, as a sign or token.

   Synonyms:

   portent, intimation, hint

2. Medicine/Medical. a special symptom or the like that points out a suitable remedy or treatment or shows the presence of a disease.

3. an act of indicating.

4. the degree marked by an instrument.

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indication British  

/ ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. something that serves to indicate or suggest; sign

   an indication of foul play

2. the degree or quantity represented on a measuring instrument or device

3. the action of indicating

4. something that is indicated as advisable, necessary, or expedient

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reindication
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• indications
  plural

Etymology

Origin of indication

First recorded in 1535–45, indication is from the Latin word indicātiōn- (stem of indicātiō ). See indicate, -ion

Explanation

An indication is a sign––it indicates, or suggests, some conclusion. The way you blush furiously when a certain someone talks to you is an indication that you have a crush on them. An indication is like a clue, or a suggestion, but it's not proof. If someone is weaving all over the place when they walk, that could be an indication that they’re drunk. But then again, it could indicate an inner-ear infection that has ruined their balance. The verb, indicate, literally means to point out, by using your index finger. But indications don’t require actual fingers pointing to a cause.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

indication indications

“What happened in recent days in Zacatecas is one more indication that ... criminality remains present, dominating territory, with links to local governments,” wrote columnist Carlos Puig in Mexico’s Milenio news outlet.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

This is an indication that inflation expectations have remained unchanged or declined.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

The result offers an early indication that at least part of APOE2's protective effect may be transferable rather than being limited to people born with the gene variant.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

At that time, the bureau said the suspension was "not an indication of the final outcome" in the matter.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

The creatures—maybe half a dozen, Annabeth guessed—had paused just on the other side of the boulder, but still they gave no indication that they’d caught the demigods’ scent.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

This study was not completed as a clinical trial associated with an application and has not been assessed by FDA for product approval for stated indications.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 25, 2026

The drug’s safety profile was consistent with that shown in other indications for which it is approved, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

But early indications, including Paramount’s stock performance, are not encouraging.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

The indications are they want to hit the ground running – in something of a blitz of appearances and announcements in his opening days and weeks in office.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Motor activity impaired; general reduction of glandular functioning; accelerated loss of coordination; and strong indications of progressive amnesia.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

Related Words

• explanation
• expression
• gesture
• hint
• implication
• inkling
• manifestation
• omen
• proof
• reminder
• sign
• signal
• suggestion
• symptom
• trace
• warning