Word
indicator
Phoneticsin·di·ca·tor, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪndəˌkeɪtɝ/
UK/ˈɪndɪkˌeɪtɐ/
Definitions
01a sign or signal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a sign or piece of information that shows the state or level of something.
n. a sign or signal that points to a particular condition or level.
“High house prices are often a good indicator of a strong local economy.”
“The sudden drop in consumer spending served as a clear indicator that the public was becoming wary of future inflation.”
02economic metric
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Economics Academic
n. a statistic, like the unemployment rate, used to judge how well a country is doing.
n. a statistical value used to measure the current state of an economy or to predict future trends.
“The government looks at several economic indicators before changing interest rates.”
“Leading economic indicators suggest that the manufacturing sector is poised for a significant recovery in the coming fiscal quarter.”
03vehicle turn signal
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. the flashing light on a car that shows which way you are going to turn.
n. a flashing light on a vehicle used to signal an intended change in direction.
“He forgot to use his indicator when he turned into the driveway.”
“The driver failed to engage his right indicator before merging, nearly causing a collision with the motorcyclist in his blind spot.”
Synonyms
04measuring device
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical
n. a dial, needle, or screen on a machine that shows a measurement.
n. a gauge or instrument that displays a specific measurement or status.
Español:indicador
“The temperature indicator on the dashboard started to climb into the red zone.”
“Engineers monitored the pressure indicator closely during the test to ensure the pipes did not exceed their safety limits.”
05chemical test
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a substance that changes colour to show if a liquid is an acid or a base.
n. a substance that undergoes a visible change, such as a colour shift, to indicate the presence or concentration of a chemical.
“Litmus paper is a common indicator used in school science labs.”
“The chemist added a few drops of the indicator to the solution to determine its pH level through a distinct colour transition.”
Synonyms
06environmental sign
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a plant or animal that shows if an environment is healthy or polluted.
n. an organism whose presence, absence, or health reflects the specific environmental conditions of its habitat.
“Frogs are a good indicator of water quality because they are sensitive to pollution.”
“The decline of certain lichen species served as a biological indicator of increasing atmospheric nitrogen levels in the forest.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indicator” in context.
Adjective
01. good indicator
“A student's performance in mock exams is often a good indicator of their final grade.”
adj + noun
02. important indicator
“Consumer spending is an important indicator of the overall health of the economy.”
adj + noun
03. key indicator
“The unemployment rate remains a key indicator for government policy decisions.”
adj + noun
04. reliable indicator
“Scientists argue that tree rings are a reliable indicator of historical climate patterns.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Tracking both alongside established climate indicators could help scientists determine how slow environmental changes affect human biology over periods of decades.” “One indicator is improving: the contact-tracing rate has passed 85 per cent nationally for the first time.” “Where it can give indicators as to the season ahead tends to be less in showcasing the strengths of a potential champion than in exposing the flaws that might bring a side low.” Etymology
From Late Latin indicātor (“one who points out”), from Latin indicō (“point out”). By surface analysis, indicate + -or; see indicate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/indicator
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0