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

Tariffs were generally pointed to as the catalyst for the indiscriminate selling, yet investors must recall the overbought conditions of the Mag 7. —Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025

The selling overnight was fairly indiscriminate, as profits were locked in across sectors. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Hamas denies this and accuses Israel of indiscriminate bombings. —Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

The team and film crew steer clear of the frontline, but the war is ever present as Russia continues its campaign of indiscriminate missile attacks on civilian areas. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for indiscriminate

• criminate

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