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Definition of indicator noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

      

    indicator

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈɪndəˌkeɪt̮ər//
     
     
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  1. 1a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing The economic indicators are better than expected. These atmospheric waves are a reliable indicator of weather changes. Thesaurussign
    • indication
    • symptom
    • symbol
    • indicator
    • signal
    These are all words for an event, an action, or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening, or may happen in the future.
    • sign an event, action, or fact that shows that something exists, is happening, or may happen in the future:Headaches may be a sign of stress.
    • indication (somewhat formal) a remark or sign that shows that something is happening or what someone is thinking or feeling:They gave no indication as to how the work should be done.
    sign or indication?
    • An indication often comes in the form of something that someone says; a sign is usually something that happens or something that someone does.
    • symptom a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy; a sign that something exists, especially something bad:A sore throat may be a symptom of an ear infection. The rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.
    • symbol a person, an object, or an event that represents a more general quality or situation:The dove is a universal symbol of peace.
    • indicator (somewhat formal) a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing:the economic indicators Healthy skin is an indicator of overall well-being.
    • signal an event, an action, or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening, or may happen in the future:This latest decision is a signal of a major change in policy. Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signals to criminals.
    sign or signal?
    • Signal is often used to talk about an event, an action, or a fact that suggests to someone that they should do something. Sign is not usually used in this way:Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signs to criminals.
    Patterns
    • a(n) sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal of something
    • a(n) sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal that…
    • a clear sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal
    • an obvious sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator
    • an early sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal
    • an outward sign/indication/symbol
    • to give a(n) sign/indication/signal
     AWL Collocationsindicateindicate verb
    • data, evidence
    • finding, result
    • study
    • analysis, research
    The data indicate that UVA radiation exerts harmful effects on these organisms.
    • correlation
    • difference
    Comparison of color intensity with lead concentration indicated no correlation.
    • presence
    • willingness
    • preference
    • extent
    • importance
    Field studies indicate the importance of feathers in nest linings.
    • clearly
    • strongly
    • reliably
    • (not) necessarily
    These two examples clearly indicate that the potential incomes from market gardening are considerable.
    • otherwise
    Unless otherwise indicated, information presented in the article is based on interviews.indication noun
    • clear
    • strong
    • reliable
    • slight
    • early, preliminary
    • outward
    There are strong indications that the situation is changing.
    • give, offer, provide, yield
    • reveal, show
    • find
    • see
    Red markings at the top of the gauge give an easy indication that water levels are too high.
    • point to
    • suggest
    All indications point to the fact that we have to address the issue as quickly as possible.indicative adjective
    • strongly
    • (not) necessarily
    Heavy snoring and periods of stopped breathing are strongly indicative of sleep apnea.indicator nouna sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing
    • accurate, reliable
    • unreliable
    • key
    Brand awareness is a key indicator of a brand's strength.
    • economic, macroeconomic
    • socioeconomic
    • behavioral
    • performance
    Living standards, defined by economic indicators such as wages, increased steadily.
    • point to, signal, suggest
    According to the report, there are currently no indicators suggesting this trend will change in the short-term.
  2. 2a device on a machine that shows speed, pressure, etc. a depth indicator
See indicator in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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