indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-di-ˈskre-shən How to pronounce indiscretion (audio)
1
: lack of discretion : imprudence
dietary indiscretion
2
a
: something (such as an act or remark) marked by lack of discretion
b
: an act at variance with the accepted morality of a society
resigned because of financial indiscretions

Examples of indiscretion in a Sentence

She committed a few minor indiscretions. put the incident down as just a youthful indiscretion
Recent Examples on the Web Such deception may include hiding psychological challenges, physical health problems or past indiscretions. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The audience gets a hint that this will not be a straightforward erotic thriller in a scene in which the husband’s indiscretions are revealed. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 This matchup would have more appeal if former Bearcats head coach Bob Huggins was still on the Mountaineer bench, but after his 2023 indiscretions, WVU is being led by interim coach Josh Eilert. Scott Springer, The Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2024 Without a publicist, gossip blogs, a reality show, or paparazzi following him about Europe to document his every indiscretion, his reputation was self-made — and self-promoted. Gaile Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Patti shouldered so much for her family, including the blame for her husband’s indiscretions. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 13 Dec. 2023 And for many decades, any district attorney with ambition would not look too closely at police indiscretions and even indulge them or, better still, use them to consolidate political power. Robert Kolker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023 He’s made a lot of mistakes, some big indiscretions. Brianna Sacks, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 But good sense doesn’t seem to be in Rubiales’ DNA — and the kiss wasn’t just a momentary indiscretion. Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indiscretion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indiscretion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near indiscretion

Cite this Entry

“Indiscretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indiscretion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indiscretion

noun
in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-dis-ˈkresh-ən How to pronounce indiscretion (audio)
1
: lack of discretion : imprudence
2
: an indiscreet act or remark

More from Merriam-Webster on indiscretion

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