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

Friction point: Incendiary weapons can be indiscriminate and catastrophic. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024

Advances in precision technology could lead to fewer indiscriminate aerial bombings and artillery attacks, and drones can spare the lives of soldiers in combat. —Mark A. Milley, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2024

The lack of regulatory oversight often meant indiscriminate funding of infrastructure projects with limited financial return. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024

Rather than issuing indiscriminate route closures, Yosemite implemented a plan based on routine monitoring of dozens of cliff sites. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 31 July 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