What does indiscreetness mean?
Indiscreetness is the quality of failing to show appropriate tact, caution, or respect for privacy. It often implies that a person has revealed information that should have remained confidential, although it can also describe careless talk, inappropriate familiarity, or generally thoughtless behavior. The term is more formal and more critical than ordinary descriptions of being nosy or careless, and it commonly appears in legal, political, social, or literary discussions involving confidence and privacy. In a sentence, “a betrayal of confidence” may suggest deliberate disclosure, whereas “a moment of indiscreetness” can indicate an accidental lapse in judgment. The word is useful because it names not simply an unfortunate remark, but a failure to understand the boundaries that govern sharing sensitive information. It also appears in discussions of gossip and social judgment, where a person’s desire to disclose a confidence is judged improper. Overall, indiscreetness combines the ideas of tactlessness and irresponsible disclosure, making it especially appropriate when privacy or discretion has been compromised.
nounThe quality of being indiscreet, especially revealing information that should be kept private or failing to exercise tact and good judgment.
- Failure to exercise tact or respect for privacy, especially by revealing confidential information or speaking carelessly.
"A moment of indiscreetness allowed the confidential details to reach the press."
"The politician's indiscreetness during the interview led to questions about the undisclosed agreement."
"The novel explores the risks of indiscreetness in a small community where private lives are closely observed."
The plural is possible but uncommon; the word is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The discussion focused on the indiscreetnesses that had damaged trust."
Indiscreetness is the social equivalent of leaving a confidential envelope open: the information may be harmless, but the poor judgment is hard to miss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indiscreetness come from?
Indiscreetness is formed from the adjective indiscreet and the suffix -ness, which turns an adjective into a noun meaning the quality or state described. Indiscreet comes from French indiscret, meaning not discreet, and ultimately from the Latin discretus, meaning distinguished, careful, or well-judged. The negative prefix in- and the contrast with discretion preserve the word’s central sense of failing to exercise careful judgment. The related English words discretion, discreet, and discreetly belong to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How indiscreetness is actually used
The word is formal and generally carries a negative judgment. It is more common in contexts involving breaches of confidence, gossip, or inappropriate disclosure than in descriptions of ordinary social mistakes.
Easily confused with indiscreetness
Indiscretion can refer to a particular careless or revealing act, whereas indiscreetness more often names the general quality of being tactless or careless about private information.