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

China filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging that Washington is flouting the trade body’s rules through the indiscriminate levying of duties and a failure to negotiate in good faith. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025

This indiscriminate freeze will cause more people to die. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025

The junta depends on indiscriminate air assault on population centers to compensate for its increasing weakness in ground forces and territorial control. —Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025

Relative to the indiscriminate trade battles President Trump has pitched against the rest of the world, a conflict with China might seem small or even justified. —German Lopez, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for indiscriminate

• criminate

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