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

But some congregants’ anguish over October 7th was compounded by dread about Israel’s brutal, indiscriminate response. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

The pope has increasingly sharpened his criticism of war in recent weeks, repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire and saying military airstrikes are indiscriminate and should be banned. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Snares, often set by impoverished communities to catch small game for food, are indiscriminate and can trap any animal. —New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026

The only question now is the final tally of Donald’s victims, mostly civilians and children, when his Middle East power grab from indiscriminate carpet-bombing comes to an end. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 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