What does indiscretion mean?
Indiscretion is a formal word for a lack of careful judgment, especially in what one says or shares. It can describe tactless behaviour, poor judgment, or a specific act that exposes information that should have remained private. The word often carries a serious or disapproving tone, particularly when used for disclosures that breach trust, although it can also refer more lightly to an awkward or thoughtless remark. In everyday conversation, someone might avoid the word and say that a person was indiscreet, meaning they revealed too much. In professional and legal contexts, it can suggest negligence in handling confidential material. Although it sounds like the opposite of discretion, the distinction is not always absolute: discretion is good judgment, while indiscretion is its absence or a concrete example of failing to exercise it.
nounLack of care, tact, or judgment in speech or action. It can also refer to an action that reveals confidential information or breaches social trust.
- Lack of tact, care, or good judgment in speech or conduct.
- An action or disclosure that breaches confidentiality or social trust.
"Her indiscretion in discussing the confidential agreement caused unnecessary trouble."
"The manager's indiscretion made it difficult for the team to trust him."
"By revealing the source of the information, she committed an indiscretion that could not be undone."
The plural is used for separate instances of careless or confidential disclosures or errors.
"Her indiscretions during the campaign attracted unwanted attention."
A single careless remark can turn a private fact into a public story: that is the lasting risk of indiscretion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indiscretion come from?
Indiscretion combines the English prefix in-, meaning 'not,' with discretion, a word derived from Latin discretio, associated with separation, discernment, and careful judgment. The resulting term developed in English to denote the opposite of discretion: lack of care, prudence, or tact. Its cognates include discreet, discretion, discretely, and discreteness, all of which reflect the same Latin root concerned with discernment and distinction.
Related word forms
How indiscretion is actually used
In formal and professional contexts, the word often suggests a failure of judgment involving confidential or sensitive matters. In general use, it may also mean tactlessness or an embarrassing social error.
Easily confused with indiscretion
Discretion means careful, tactful judgment, whereas indiscretion refers to a lack of such judgment or to an action that reveals too much.
Discreet describes someone who is careful not to reveal information, while indiscretion names the behavior of revealing or handling information carelessly.