indignation

Meaning

1. 1noununcountable

   Anger caused by something that seems unfair, unjust, or morally wrong.

   Grammar: Uncountable: no plural. You can say 'a feeling of indignation' but not 'an indignation'.

   Patterns

   • indignation at something
   • indignation over something
   • express indignation
   • feel indignation

   She expressed her indignation at the way she had been treated.

   There was widespread public indignation over the government's decision.

   His voice was full of indignation as he protested the unfair ruling.

Common combinations

public indignation

The scandal caused public indignation across the country.

righteous indignation

He spoke with righteous indignation about the injustice.

express indignation

The workers expressed their indignation at the pay cuts.

indignation at

Her indignation at the insult was obvious.

indignation over

There was much indignation over the new tax.

Synonyms and how they differ

anger

Anger is a general feeling of displeasure, while indignation specifically arises from something perceived as unfair or wrong.

outrage

Outrage is a stronger, more intense form of anger, often shared by many people, whereas indignation can be more personal and controlled.

resentment

Resentment is a lingering bitter feeling from being treated unfairly, while indignation is a more immediate reaction to injustice.

Opposites

Word family

indignant adjective

Feeling or showing anger because of something unjust.

indignantly adverb

In a manner showing anger at unfairness.

Commonly confused: indignation or indignity?

Practice

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