indiscretion

[ in-di-skresh-uhn ]

noun

1. lack of discretion; imprudence.
2. an indiscreet act, remark, etc.

indiscretion

/ ˌɪndɪˈskrɛʃən /

noun

1. the characteristic or state of being indiscreet
2. an indiscreet act, remark, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌindisˈcretionary, adjective

Other Words From

• indis·cretion·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indiscretion¹

1300–50; Middle English < Late Latin indiscrētiōn- (stem of indiscrētiō ). See in- ³, discretion

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, many of these servers lock new users out until a trusted member has vouched for them, making it difficult to infiltrate and report servers for specific indiscretions.

From Washington Post

Here’s a selection of the many indiscretions that get a pass.

From The Daily Beast

Before that, Humans saw a family thrown into crisis following the father’s indiscretion with their robot assistant.

From Time

On “Somebody’s Problem,” he sings about “thekindagirl” whose magnetism defies his better judgment, as if fast-forwarding through his indiscretion.

From Washington Post

This was before Cassidy entered politics, and the Republican congressman now calls that donation a “youthful indiscretion.”

From The Daily Beast

They often harp on the indiscretion, such as an affair, and not the larger picture.

From The Daily Beast

I will admit to one ethical indiscretion in the reporting of these stories.

From The Daily Beast

There is this cult of moral outrage that exists today, where people turn even the slightest indiscretion into a huge scandal.

From The Daily Beast

The long-ago indiscretion was forgotten as he condemned free-spending liberals and pledged to “stop the gravy train.”

From The Daily Beast

Her conduct, frank and open-hearted, was irreproachable, ever above even the slightest suspicion of indiscretion.

From Project Gutenberg

And your sister-in-law's own affair, dear Mrs. Dodd, is it an indiscretion to ask you if it is settled yet?

From Project Gutenberg

Then, perhaps, I shall commit the indiscretion of asking you to give me a helping hand.

From Project Gutenberg

You were right, Marguerite; you had already been guilty of an indiscretion which only your attachment to me can excuse.

From Project Gutenberg

"Indiscretion is the better part of valor," said she, dropping her head but raising her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• error
• gaffe
• lapse
• miscue
• misjudgment
• recklessness