indiscipline
C1/C2Formal, academic, bureaucratic
Definition
Meaning
Lack of discipline; failure or inability to obey rules or show self-control.
A state or condition characterized by unruly, disorderly, or chaotic behaviour, often within a group or institution. It implies a breakdown of authority or self-restraint.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a non-count noun. Often used to describe collective or systemic failure of order rather than a single act. More abstract than 'misbehaviour'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English; American English might prefer 'lack of discipline' or 'unruliness' in some contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, institutional tone. Connotes a serious, systemic problem.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but used in formal reports, critiques, and academic/sociological writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Indiscipline among [GROUP]The [RESULT] was due to indiscipline.A period of indiscipline followed.to combat/tackle/address indisciplineVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A hotbed of indiscipline”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a workforce ignoring procedures, leading to inefficiency or safety risks.
Academic
Used in sociology, education, or military studies to analyze group behaviour and authority.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used in news reports about riots, strikes, or failing schools.
Technical
In organisational psychology, denotes a systemic failure of normative control.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team's performance is beginning to indiscipline. (Rare/archaic)
American English
- (Verb form is essentially obsolete in modern English.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form; 'indisciplinedly' is non-standard.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The report highlighted an indisciplined approach to safety protocols.
American English
- The squad was deemed indisciplined after the locker-room incident.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher was worried about the indiscipline in her classroom.
- Indiscipline on the football pitch led to a red card.
- Widespread indiscipline among the troops undermined the operation's success.
- The new headmaster was appointed to tackle the growing indiscipline at the school.
- The commission's report cited chronic financial indiscipline as the root cause of the department's failure.
- The political movement collapsed into acrimony and indiscipline, unable to agree on a common strategy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'IN' (not) + 'DISCIPLINE'. It's the state of being NOT disciplined.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDISCIPLINE IS A DISEASE/CANCER (spreads, corrupts, weakens an organisation). INDISCIPLINE IS CHAOS/WILDERNESS (the opposite of order and cultivation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'недисциплинированностью' (это качество человека). 'Indiscipline' чаще описывает состояние системы. Прямой перевод 'индисциплина' в русском не используется.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an indiscipline').
- Confusing with 'indisciplined' (adj).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'misbehaviour' suffices.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'indiscipline' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning, but 'indiscipline' is a more formal, single-word nominalisation often used in institutional or analytical writing.
It's possible but less common. The word typically describes a prevailing state or pattern. For a single act, 'act of indiscipline' or 'indisciplined behaviour' is clearer.
Insubordination is a specific, deliberate refusal to obey a direct order from a superior. Indiscipline is broader, covering a general lack of order, self-control, or adherence to rules, not necessarily directed at a specific command.
No, the verb form is obsolete. Use phrases like 'to cause indiscipline', 'to lead to indiscipline', or the adjective 'indisciplined' (e.g., 'an indisciplined team').
Explore