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

These were often portraits of people at work—jockeys, preachers, movie stars—that showcase the indiscriminate pleasure Crews took in shoptalk. —Charlie Lee, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

According to this lie, if anyone protests Israel's indiscriminate response to Hamas fighters within the general population, that must be because of the protester's antisemitic bigotries. —MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

This indiscriminate damage erodes biodiversity, undermines fisheries, and weakens ocean resilience. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

As such, the attack on Mariupol Maternity Ward No.3 constitutes an indiscriminate attack, a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 8 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