Promiscuity: meaning, definitions and examples

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promiscuity

 

[ ˌprɒmɪˈskjuːɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sexual behavior

The practice of engaging in sexual activity with a variety of partners without commitment or exclusivity.

Synonyms

licentiousness, looseness, promiscuousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
promiscuity

Use this word in a general context to describe the practice of having casual sexual relationships frequently and indiscriminately.

  • There was a lot of talk about the promiscuity in college dorms.
  • His promiscuity worried his friends and family.
promiscuousness

Similar to 'promiscuity,' this word describes the quality of engaging in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships. It can be used to emphasize the nature of the behavior.

  • Her promiscuousness was a topic of many discussions at the workplace.
  • The film explored the promiscuousness of the characters in a frank and open manner.
looseness

Although it can refer to a lack of strictness or precision, in this context, it often conveys a lack of moral restraint, especially in sexual matters. It may carry a slightly less formal tone than 'licentiousness'.

  • He condemned the looseness of modern social morals.
  • The looseness of their relationships led to many complications.
licentiousness

This term is used to describe morally unrestrained behavior, especially in a sexual context. It has a formal tone.

  • Her licentiousness was the subject of much gossip in the small town.
  • The novel depicts a society rife with licentiousness and debauchery.

Examples of usage

  • Her promiscuity led to many failed relationships.
  • Promiscuity can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Context #2 | Noun

general behavior

The quality or state of being indiscriminate or casual.

Synonyms

casualness, indiscriminateness, randomness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
promiscuity

Typically used to describe a behavior involving casual and frequent sexual relationships with multiple partners. Often has a negative connotation.

  • Her promiscuity was a topic of gossip among her friends.
  • The novel explores themes of love, trust, and promiscuity.
indiscriminateness

Describes a lack of careful choice or distinction. It often implies a negative judgment, suggesting a careless or thoughtless approach.

  • The indiscriminateness of his remarks offended many people.
  • Indiscriminateness in spending can lead to financial troubles.
casualness

Generally used to describe a relaxed, indifferent, or informal manner. It can refer to attitudes, behavior, or styles.

  • His casualness at work was both refreshing and frustrating for his colleagues.
  • The casualness of their conversation made her feel at ease.
randomness

Refers to a lack of pattern, predictability, or order. It is often used when describing events, sequences, or actions that appear without purpose or design.

  • The randomness of the lottery numbers makes it challenging to win.
  • She enjoyed the randomness of exploring a new city without a plan.

Examples of usage

  • The promiscuity of his friendships made it hard to determine who his true friends were.
  • There was a promiscuity of ideas at the brainstorming session.

Translations

Translations of the word "promiscuity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 promiscuidade

🇮🇳 व्यभिचार

🇩🇪 Promiskuität

🇮🇩 promiskuitas

🇺🇦 розбещеність

🇵🇱 promiskuityzm

🇯🇵 乱交

🇫🇷 promiscuité sexuelle

🇪🇸 promiscuidad

🇹🇷 ahlaksızlık

🇰🇷 문란함

🇸🇦 الفسوق

🇨🇿 promiskuita

🇸🇰 promiskuita

🇨🇳 乱交

🇸🇮 promiskuiteta

🇮🇸 fjöllyndi

🇰🇿 бейбастық

🇬🇪 უსირცხვილობა

🇦🇿 pozğunluq

🇲🇽 promiscuidad

Etymology

The word 'promiscuity' originated from the Latin word 'promiscuus', which means 'mixed, indiscriminate'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The concept of promiscuity has been a topic of debate and discussion throughout history, with varying attitudes towards sexual behavior and relationships. In modern times, the term is often used in a negative context to describe behavior that is considered socially unacceptable or risky.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,050, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.