indiscriminate

adjective

in·​dis·​crim·​i·​nate ˌin-di-ˈskri-mə-nət How to pronounce indiscriminate (audio)
-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

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 Most phones carry no anti-virus protection and are not designed for indiscriminate installs, and so the PC/Mac model won’t fly. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 These indiscriminate attacks have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to flee the north of the country. Rich Lowry, National Review, 24 Sep. 2024 Friction point: Incendiary weapons can be indiscriminate and catastrophic. Colin Demarest, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024 Advances in precision technology could lead to fewer indiscriminate aerial bombings and artillery attacks, and drones can spare the lives of soldiers in combat. Mark A. Milley, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indiscriminate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indiscriminate.' 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

circa 1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indiscriminate was circa 1598

Dictionary Entries Near indiscriminate

Cite this Entry

“Indiscriminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indiscriminate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

indiscriminate

adjective
in·​dis·​crim·​i·​nate ˌin-dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indiscriminate (audio)
: showing lack of discrimination : not choosing carefully
an indiscriminate reader
indiscriminate enthusiasm
indiscriminately adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indiscriminate

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