indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: something that serves to indicate

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

2

: the action of indicating

indicational

ˌin-də-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• clue
• cue
• hint
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class.

There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are indications that the Trump operation is beginning to catch up in the overall money race, despite Biden's sizable lead for the past few months. —Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 4 June 2024

There is no indication the three cases are related. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2024

If the line out the door is any indication, fans are excited John Avelluto’s restaurant is back. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024

And in at least one country Miss Manners can think of, not speaking the local language perfectly is taken as a personal affront, if not an indication of imbecility. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indication

• every indication

Kids Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the action of indicating

2

: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure

postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivatives

—C. H. Thienes

b

: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary

in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respiration

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)