Vocabulary word Indiscriminate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

ACT 16 (American College Testing)

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High School 11

Learning activities:

Judgement and Decision-Making

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Dictionary Definition of indiscriminate

Something that is done at random or without careful judgement.
"The indiscriminate bombing of the city caused widespread destruction."

Detailed Meaning of Indiscriminate

Indiscriminate refers to actions or behavior that are not guided by careful consideration of the circumstances, and that lack discrimination, fairness, or selectiveness. It often implies a lack of concern for who is affected or for the consequences of the actions. Indiscriminate actions are characterized by a disregard for the specific individuals or things involved, and a failure to distinguish between those that are worthy of attention and those that are not. In this context, the term often suggests a lack of judgment or a lack of precision, and can have negative connotations.

Example Sentences for Indiscriminate

1. The indiscriminate logging in the area devastated the local ecosystem.
2. Her indiscriminate use of spices made the stew unpalatable.
3. The indiscriminate attack caused widespread fear and panic.
4. Indiscriminate hunting threatens the balance of our wildlife.
5. The storm was indiscriminate, leaving nothing untouched in its path.
6. His indiscriminate spending habits were leading him to financial ruin.

Origin and Etymology of Indiscriminate

The adjective 'indiscriminate' is formed by combining the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not' or 'without') with the word 'discriminate.' 'Discriminate' itself is derived from the Latin word 'discriminare,' which means 'to distinguish' or 'to separate.' Therefore, 'indiscriminate' literally means 'not distinguishing' or 'lacking the ability to separate.' This adjective describes actions or behaviors that are done at random or without careful judgment, often without distinguishing between different elements or considering their individual merits or qualities. The etymology of 'indiscriminate' underscores the absence of discrimination or distinction in such actions, highlighting the prefix 'in-' as a negation of the ability to make careful distinctions or judgments.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective indiscriminate:

random

discerning

particular

selective

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More Usage Examples of Indiscriminate

1. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is causing resistance in many pathogens.
2. Indiscriminate littering has marred the beauty of our parks.
3. The indiscriminate criticism undermined his credibility among his peers.
4. She was an indiscriminate reader, consuming everything from poetry to science fiction.
5. His indiscriminate affection for animals was quite endearing.
6. Indiscriminate construction is causing damage to our city's heritage.
7. The indiscriminate bombing in the war left many civilians injured.
8. The indiscriminate use of pesticides is affecting the fertility of the soil.
9. The company's indiscriminate hiring practices led to a diverse workforce.
10. She's an indiscriminate collector, gathering anything that catches her eye.
11. Indiscriminate fishing practices are depleting the ocean's resources.
12. The indiscriminate dumping of waste has led to severe pollution.
13. His indiscriminate trust in people often left him feeling betrayed.
14. He was criticized for his indiscriminate spending habits.
15. She was accused of indiscriminate hiring practices that favored friends over qualified candidates.
16. The indiscriminate use of pesticides caused damage to both crops and the environment.
17. He was known for his indiscriminate sexual behavior.
18. She was criticized for her indiscriminate cuts to the budget that affected essential services.
19. The indiscriminate logging of the forest caused significant damage to the ecosystem.
20. He was known for his indiscriminate use of violence to solve problems.
21. She was criticized for her indiscriminate use of social media that spread misinformation.
22. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics caused the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
23. He was criticized for his indiscriminate approach to problem-solving that caused more harm than good.
24. She was accused of indiscriminate firing practices that left many qualified workers without jobs.