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 fact-finding mission says the strikes on a girls’ school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd were indiscriminate, killing at least 178 civilians, and may be used in future international prosecutions. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Retire Without Breaking The Business Expiration can’t mean indiscriminate deletion. — Akhilesh Sharma, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

An indiscriminate cast of men and women, boys and girls, is asked to act out athletic tasks. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

ShotSpotter offers targeted detection of a dangerous event versus technology like Flock's indiscriminate collection of innocent people's movements. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 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