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

Modern gill nets can be incredibly destructive and indiscriminate. —Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Dec. 2024

Civilians’ experience of Israel’s strikes as indiscriminate and ubiquitous further influences their decision-making. —Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024

Homero says climate change and indiscriminate pesticide use in the United States—not logging and avocado farming—are the gravest threats to the monarchs. —Outside Online, 2 Oct. 2024

His decision roiled arms control groups that have worked for decades, pointing to the indiscriminate nature of the weapons and their enduring harm. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 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