promiscuous

American  

[pruh-mis-kyoo-uhs] / prəˈmɪs kyu əs /

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.

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promiscuous British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See miscellaneous.

Other Word Forms

• hyperpromiscuous adjective
• hyperpromiscuously adverb
• hyperpromiscuousness noun
• nonpromiscuous adjective
• nonpromiscuously adverb
• nonpromiscuousness noun
• promiscuously adverb
• promiscuousness noun
• unpromiscuous adjective
• unpromiscuously adverb
• unpromiscuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of promiscuous

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

Related Words

• immoral
• profligate
• wanton