indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-di-ˈskre-shən 

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

Synonyms

• offence
• blunder
• mistake
• solecism
• error
• gaffe

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

The longtime lawman has been accused of personal indiscretions such as receiving a nude photo of a co-worker, and professional missteps including his deputies’ aggressive actions in pursuing shoplifters at a Target and killing their driver. —Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025

Chef Snowden’s faith creates tension, causing his place on the boat to come into question, but Stillie’s possible indiscretion with a charter guest causes the ultimate dilemma on board. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

And any Catholic who has made a confession to a priest knows that what is said in confession stays in confession, unlike a problematic yet pivotal indiscretion that happens in the movie. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025

Swiatek is also someone who comes across as eager to please, and her discomfort at the indiscretion, and the resulting perceptions of her, has been obvious. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing indiscretion

• youthful indiscretion

Rhymes for indiscretion

• decompression
• dispossession
• intercession
• introgression
• nonaggression
• prepossession
• recompression
• repossession
• retrocession
• retrogression
• supersession
• accession

Kids Definition

indiscretion

noun

in·​dis·​cre·​tion ˌin-dis-ˈkresh-ən 

1

: lack of discretion : imprudence

2

: an indiscreet act or remark