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

characterized his binge drinking in college as a youthful indiscretion

b

: an act at variance with the accepted morality of a society

resigned because of financial indiscretions

Synonyms of indiscretion

• blunder
• mistake
• error
• solecism

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 sparks between them are obvious, and Appa, the soul of indiscretion, can’t help meddling in his overbearing way. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

And right now, Taylor cannot stop herself from initiating phone sex with Dakota even while sobbing over his indiscretions at Vanderpump Villa. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

These reported indiscretions — on which Wasserman did not comment — caused a stir at the time but seemed to fade as weeks went by. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

Jack, a detective with the sheriff's department, is just trying to keep his indiscretions from being broadcast on the 6 o'clock news. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026

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