indiscriminate

adjective

in·​dis·​crim·​i·​nate ˌin-di-ˈskri-mə-nət 

-ˈskrim-nət

1

a

: not marked by careful distinction : deficient in discrimination and discernment

indiscriminate reading habits

indiscriminate mass destruction

b

: haphazard, random

indiscriminate application of a law

2

a

: promiscuous, unrestrained

indiscriminate sexual behavior

b

: heterogeneous, motley

an indiscriminate collection

indiscriminately adverb

indiscriminateness noun

Synonyms

• assorted
• eclectic
• heterogeneous
• kitchen-sink
• magpie
• miscellaneous
• mixed
• motley
• patchwork
• piebald
• promiscuous
• raggle-taggle
• ragtag
• varied

Examples of indiscriminate in a Sentence

They participated in the indiscriminate slaughter of countless innocent victims.

He objects to the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

She has been indiscriminate in choosing her friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

To simplify the conflict to a fight between Israel and Hamas is to ignore the on-the-ground realities that indicate Israel is waging an indiscriminate war on all Palestinians. —John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

Black bears are consistent and indiscriminate scavengers. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

In these stories, the violence of that day is a rupture in reality, indiscriminate and unforgiving. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024

Most economists say his high, indiscriminate tariffs would raise prices on both imports and domestic goods. —Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

indiscriminate

adjective

in·​dis·​crim·​i·​nate ˌin-dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nət 

: showing lack of discrimination : not choosing carefully

an indiscriminate reader

indiscriminate enthusiasm

indiscriminately adverb