Definition
Done at random or without careful consideration; affecting all things without exception.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Haphazard, random, arbitrary, unselective
Antonyms
Discriminating, selective, deliberate, thoughtful
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | indiscriminate |
| Adverb | indiscriminately |
Example Sentences
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The police conducted indiscriminate raids on several houses in the neighborhood, arresting several innocent people.
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The company announced an indiscriminate hiring freeze, affecting both high-performing employees and those who were struggling.
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The government’s indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protestors was met with international criticism.
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The teacher’s indiscriminate grading policies drew complaints from students who felt their hard work was not being properly recognized.
Usage
The term “indiscriminate” is often used to describe actions or policies that lack proper consideration or care. It implies a lack of discrimination or discernment in the choices being made, often leading to negative consequences. This word can be used to describe actions by individuals or groups, as well as policies or decisions made by organizations, companies, or governments.
The prefix “in-” in “indiscriminate” means “not” or “without”, and the root word “discriminate” means to recognize and distinguish between different things. The word “indiscriminate” is often used in the context of negative events, such as indiscriminate bombing, indiscriminate firing, or indiscriminate arrests. In such cases, the word is used to criticize the lack of thought or consideration given to the action or policy being carried out.
While the word “indiscriminate” has a negative connotation, it is sometimes used in a more neutral sense to simply mean “without consideration for differences”. For example, a store might have an indiscriminate sale, meaning that all items are discounted without exception. However, this usage is less common and the word is more often used to describe actions or policies that have negative consequences.