indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-di-ˈskre-shən 

1

: lack of discretion : imprudence

dietary indiscretion

2

a

: something (such as an act or remark) marked by lack of discretion

b

: an act at variance with the accepted morality of a society

resigned because of financial indiscretions

Synonyms

• familiarity
• faux pas
• gaff
• gaffe
• impropriety
• solecism

Examples of indiscretion in a Sentence

She committed a few minor indiscretions.

put the incident down as just a youthful indiscretion

Recent Examples on the Web

Hegseth, however, has the support of some veterans’ groups that say his past indiscretions are not as important as getting in the job someone who will focus on improving military readiness to fight. —Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

The caveat is that yours are coming out to play today and other people are able to sweep their indiscretions under the rug. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

For one, Green's opponent, Barry, is certainly not making hay of the messy family situation, given her own personal indiscretions. —Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2024

Haley skewers Trump picks Gabbard, RFK Jr. Hanson and other experts said the public has become less concerned about some indiscretions, such as minor and one-time drug and alcohol arrests. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing indiscretion

• youthful indiscretion

Kids Definition

indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-dis-ˈkresh-ən 

1

: lack of discretion : imprudence

2

: an indiscreet act or remark