indicator Definition
- 1a thing, especially a trend or fact, that shows the state or level of something
- 2a device providing specific information on the state or condition of something, in particular
Using indicator: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "indicator" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The stock market is often used as an indicator of the country's economic health.
Example
The temperature gauge is an indicator of how hot or cold the engine is.
Example
The crime rate is a good indicator of the safety of a neighborhood.
indicator Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using indicator
something that provides useful or useless information about a situation
Example
The number of people attending the event is a good indicator of its popularity.
an indicator species
a species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition
Example
The spotted owl is an indicator species for old-growth forests.
a measurable factor that changes before the economy starts to follow a particular pattern or trend
Example
The stock market is often considered a leading indicator of economic growth.
Phrases with indicator
Example
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the most important economic indicators.
Example
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used health indicator.
Example
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a widely used quality of life indicator.
Origins of indicator
from Latin 'indicare', meaning 'to point out'
Summary: indicator in Brief
An 'indicator' [ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)] is a thing or device that shows the state or level of something. It can be a trend, fact, or specific information, such as the temperature gauge in a car. The term extends into phrases like 'economic indicator,' 'health indicator,' and 'quality of life indicator,' which provide measures of the overall state of a system. Idioms like 'a good/bad indicator of something' and 'a leading indicator' denote the usefulness of information provided by an indicator.
