indiscretion
C1Formal, literary, journalistic; used in contexts discussing moral failings, social errors, politics, scandal, or personal conduct.
Definition
Meaning
Lack of good judgement, especially in speech or behaviour, leading to a failure to keep something private or proper.
An act or remark that shows this lack of judgement; a minor transgression or social faux pas revealing confidential or sensitive information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun ('an indiscretion', 'several indiscretions'). Often implies a single, specific act rather than a general trait. Connotes a lapse from expected standards of discretion, not necessarily malicious intent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Slightly more frequent in UK press regarding political or royal scandals. In US, may be used more in legal/ corporate contexts.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with sexual impropriety or aristocratic scandal. US: Can lean towards financial or professional misconduct.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both; more common in written than spoken language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + committed + an indiscretion[Subject] + was + an indiscretionan indiscretion + involving + [matter][Noun] + of indiscretionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a youthful indiscretion (to downplay a past mistake)”
- “indiscretion is the better part of valour (play on 'discretion')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to a CEO's unguarded comment that affected share prices.
Academic
Analyzing the role of personal indiscretion in historical political downfalls.
Everyday
Gossiping about a friend's secret, then admitting it was an indiscretion.
Technical
In law, may refer to a breach of confidentiality.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He later apologised for his indiscretion at the party.
- Sharing the news was a serious indiscretion.
- The minister's career was damaged by a youthful financial indiscretion.
- She regretted the indiscretion of confiding in a colleague.
- The biography detailed several diplomatic indiscretions that strained international relations.
- His alleged indiscretions were deemed a breach of professional ethics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + DISCRETION (good judgement) = lack of good judgement.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDISCRETION IS A LEAK (of information). INDISCRETION IS A SOCIAL STAIN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'неосторожностью' (carelessness). Ближе к 'неблагоразумный поступок', 'оплошность', 'промах', особенно в контексте нарушения конфиденциальности.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an uncountable noun (*He showed indiscretion). Correct: 'He was guilty of an indiscretion' or 'He showed a lack of discretion'.
- Confusing with 'indiscrete' (not separate), which is rarely used.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'indiscretion' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While often about confidential matters, it can refer to any act showing poor judgement, like an ill-advised purchase or an inappropriate joke.
No. The adjective form is 'indiscreet'. 'Indiscretion' is solely a noun.
An indiscretion is a specific type of mistake involving a failure to be discreet, prudent, or proper, often with social or confidential consequences. A 'mistake' is more general.
Yes, it's a common collocation used to describe, and often excuse, a foolish act committed when one was young.