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

• eclectic
• varied
• mixed
• assorted
• promiscuous

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

That’s one of several standout stretches here, another being the note-perfect depiction of our heroes feeling the indiscriminate love while on ecstacy. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025

No acknowledgment of the innocents — including U.S. citizens — swept up in some of the Trump administration’s indiscriminate raids. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

Part of the exhibition’s appeal is its indiscriminate layout of photographs on a grid-like network of metal scaffolds spread throughout the former 55,000-square-foot New York State National Guard drill hall. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025

Trump has come under fire in recent days for the indiscriminate arrest of migrants during widespread raids. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 12 June 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