A lack of careful judgment or an unwise action that reveals secrets or causes embarrassment.
From Old French 'indiscretion' combining 'in-' (not) and 'discretion' (careful judgment). Latin 'discretio' meant the ability to distinguish or decide wisely.
Indiscretion is basically the opposite of being discreet—it comes from a root meaning 'not being able to distinguish' what should stay private! One indiscretion can follow you forever.
Historically, indiscretion has disproportionately been applied to women's behavior—particularly sexual or social conduct—with gendered moral judgment. Men's similar behavior often escaped the term entirely.
Use specific, gender-neutral language: 'breach of confidence,' 'mistake,' or 'misjudgment' rather than the morally loaded 'indiscretion,' which carries gendered double standards.
["breach of confidence","mistake","misjudgment","lapse in judgment"]
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