promiscuous

[ pruh-mis-kyoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by or involving indiscriminate mingling or association, especially having sexual relations with a number of partners on a casual basis.

   Synonyms: wild, abandoned, licentious

   Antonyms: chaste

2. consisting of parts, elements, or individuals of different kinds brought together without order.

   Synonyms: motley, confused, mixed

3. indiscriminate; without discrimination; not selective.

   Synonyms: unthinking, thoughtless, random

   Antonyms: selective

4. casual; irregular; haphazard.

promiscuous

/ prəˈmɪskjʊəs /

adjective

1. indulging in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships
2. consisting of a number of dissimilar parts or elements mingled in a confused or indiscriminate manner
3. indiscriminate in selection
4. casual or heedless

Derived Forms

• proˈmiscuousness, noun
• proˈmiscuously, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·miscu·ous·ly adverb
• pro·miscu·ous·ness noun
• hyper·pro·miscu·ous adjective
• hyper·pro·miscu·ous·ly adverb
• hyper·pro·miscu·ous·ness noun
• nonpro·miscu·ous adjective
• nonpro·miscu·ous·ly adverb
• nonpro·miscu·ous·ness noun
• unpro·miscu·ous adjective
• unpro·miscu·ous·ly adverb
• unpro·miscu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promiscuous¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin prōmiscuus “mixed up,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + misc(ēre) “to mix” + -uus adjective suffix; mix, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of promiscuous¹

C17: from Latin prōmiscuus indiscriminate, from pro- ¹+ miscēre to mix

Synonym Study

See miscellaneous.

Example Sentences

“The goal was to depict her as a promiscuous woman, deeply in debt, who was trying to shake down Mr. O’Reilly,” the Times reported.

From Slate

In the past couple of years, however, Trump has lost some ability to leverage his promiscuous past to reassure Americans that he's not out to control their sex lives.

From Salon

Robinson insisted birth control is "being forced on very young ladies" and agreed that women who use it are "more inclined to be promiscuous."

From Salon

H5N1 has shown itself to be promiscuous, rapidly gaining new hosts — wild birds and poultry, mice and bears, cats and sea lions.

From New York Times

Traditionally, older folks worried that young people were too promiscuous; now perhaps we geezers should fret about youthful celibacy.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• immoral
• profligate
• wanton