indiscretion
/ˌɪndɪˈskreʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndɪˈskreʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-di-ˈskre-shən/ (ame, mw)
indiscretion — noun
- indiscretionsingular
- indiscretionsplural
1. the quality of failing to think carefully before speaking or acting, so that you
the quality of failing to think carefully before speaking or acting, so that you reveal private information or behave in a way that is socially awkward
Fatima regretted her indiscretion after sharing the confidential news with her colleagues.
uncountable noun: the quality, not a single act
A moment of indiscretion cost Wei his job when he posted complaints about the company online.
The mayor's indiscretion in mentioning the merger before the vote created a public uproar.
Minh saw his friend's hurt expression at dinner and knew his indiscretion had ruined the evening.
- imprudence
more literary; emphasises lack of wisdom rather than social judgment
- tactlessness
narrower; specifically about offending people, not about revealing secrets
- recklessness
broader; implies physical danger or risk, not just poor social judgment
- discretion
the direct opposite; careful thought before speaking or acting
- prudence
practical wisdom and caution in handling affairs
文法句型
indiscretion + of + [verb]-ing
moment/act of indiscretion
用法筆記
Frequently uncountable when referring to the general quality or trait. The countable form (an indiscretion) tends to shift toward Sense 2, referring to a specific act. Unlike 'carelessness,' indiscretion specifically involves revealing sensitive information or crossing social boundaries.
常見錯誤
2. an action, especially a sexual relationship, that is considered embarrassing or
an action, especially a sexual relationship, that is considered embarrassing or socially unacceptable when it becomes publicly known
The senator was forced to resign after details of his past indiscretions appeared in the newspaper.
countable, often plural: past indiscretions
Mei-Lin smiled at the old photographs and thought about the youthful indiscretions of her university days.
collocation: youthful indiscretion
Pablo's single indiscretion shattered the trust his wife had placed in him for over twenty years.
The tabloid published a story about several indiscretions committed by the famous singer while on tour.
Deepa considered her night with an old friend a minor indiscretion, but her partner saw it as a betrayal.
- transgression
stronger moral or religious connotation; implies knowingly breaking a rule
- lapse
gentler; suggests a temporary failure of judgment rather than a habit
- misstep
less severe; often used for minor errors in social judgment
- propriety
socially acceptable, morally correct behaviour
文法句型
past/youthful/sexual + indiscretion(s)
indiscretion + with + [person]
用法筆記
Common in political journalism and formal discussions of private conduct, where it serves as a euphemism for extramarital affairs or morally questionable behaviour. The plural form 'indiscretions' is very frequent and often refers to a pattern rather than a single event.