indiscriminate

adjective

in·​dis·​crim·​i·​nate ˌin-di-ˈskri-mə-nət 

-ˈskrim-nət

1

a

: not marked by careful distinction : deficient in care and discernment

indiscriminate reading habits

indiscriminate mass destruction

is indiscriminate in his choice of friends

b

: haphazard, random

indiscriminate application of a law

especially : affecting or harming many people or things in a careless or unfair way

the indiscriminate use of pesticides

2

a

: promiscuous, unrestrained

indiscriminate sexual behavior

b

: heterogeneous, motley

an indiscriminate collection

indiscriminately adverb

indiscriminateness noun

Synonyms of indiscriminate

• 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

The indiscriminate nature of the data collection, Garvie says, also raises concerns that the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from being searched unreasonably. — Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026

His wannabe Robocops launch indiscriminate raids, operate detention facilities under conditions out of a Dickens novel and regularly don face masks to hide their identities. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

While shootings involving indiscriminate killings are not common, the country has seen an uptick in high-profile shooting deaths in recent years. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

This does not appear to be merely the result of an indiscriminate luxury-market boom where a rising tide lifts all ships. — John Walkup, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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