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

While metadata can be useful, indiscriminate collection can lead to information overload. —Mani Padisetti, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Enforcement would be indiscriminate and unpredictable, turning anyone who is undocumented into a potential target. —Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Already, Israel's military had launched airstrikes on Rafah that appeared to Palestinians sheltering there to be largely indiscriminate, though Israel disputed this. —Ariana Torrey, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024

If Washington applies broad and indiscriminate protectionist measures, countries might respond in kind. —Niccolo W. Bonifai, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 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