adjective
indiscreet
in-dih-SKREET/ˌɪndɪˈskriːt/
Careless about what should be kept private or handled cautiously.
The indiscreet man shows an embarrassing private photograph to another guest.
Etymology
Sifting things apart supplied the image for distinguishing and judging carefully. The Latin base came to mean “discerning, careful”; with the negative prefix, indiscreet describes a failure of that judgment in what someone says or does.
In context
When he presented himself again he was racked with a headache—penitent, and volubly afraid that in his drunkenness he might have been indiscreet.
More examples
- Posting those private messages online is indiscreet.
- An indiscreet remark reveals the surprise party.
- She regrets being indiscreet about her sister's divorce.
Forms
indiscreet
indiscretion noun — A careless act or disclosure showing poor judgment.
indiscreetly adverb — Without proper caution or regard for privacy.
Similar words
- imprudent
- Describes poor judgment generally, not specifically carelessness about privacy.
- tactless
- Focuses on offending others rather than exposing private information.