indication
gb/ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A sign or signal of something
Something that shows or suggests that something is true or will happen.
Usage pattern:
an indication of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'indication' with 'indicator'. 'Indicator' usually refers to a device or measurable sign, while 'indication' is more general.
Synonyms
sign (A very general term for something that shows something else; often interchangeable in casual speech.)
|
signal (Implies a more deliberate or technical sign, often in communication or systems.)
Antonyms
contradiction (Shows the opposite of what is being suggested or expected.)
Collocations
clear indication
|strong indication
|give an indication
|indication of progress
|early indication
Themes
communication
|daily life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The dark clouds are an indication that it might rain soon.
- Her smile was a clear indication of her happiness.
- There is no indication that the company will close.
- The doctor saw no indication of infection.
- Early indications suggest the policy is working.
Learner examples
- The clouds are an indication of rain.
- His red face is an indication he is hot.
- There is no indication she will come.
- The test gave an indication of my level.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Medical reason for treatment
A medical reason to use a certain treatment or test.
Usage pattern:
an indication for [treatment/procedure]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'indication' with 'symptom'. A symptom is what the patient feels; an indication is the doctor's reason to act.
Synonyms
justification (A formal reason for doing something; in medicine, often interchangeable but more general.)
Antonyms
contraindication (A condition or factor that makes a treatment inadvisable.)
Collocations
clinical indication
|indication for surgery
|therapeutic indication
Themes
medicine
|health
|science
Examples
- The main indication for antibiotics in this case is bacterial infection.
- Chest pain can be an indication for immediate surgery.
- There was no clear indication for further testing.
Learner examples
- The doctor saw an indication for the test.
- Pain was an indication for the medicine.
- There was no indication for surgery.
Grammar
Dictionary form
indication
IPA
GB/ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - dic - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: indication
- Plural: indication, indications
Word family
Expressions
as an indication of
1/ˈæz ən ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən əv/
fixed phrase
Used to show evidence of something
Used to show that something is proof or a sign of something else.
Examples
- She gave him flowers as an indication of her gratitude.
- The award was presented as an indication of his hard work.
clear indication
1/klˈɪɹ ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
An obvious sign of something
A sign that is easy to see and understand.
Examples
- The empty streets were a clear indication that the storm was coming.
- Her tears were a clear indication of her sadness.
give an indication
1/ɡˈɪv ən ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Provide a sign about something
To show or suggest something by words, actions, or signs.
Examples
- The report gives an indication of the company's future plans.
- His tone gave no indication of anger.