Word
promiscuous
Phoneticspro·mis·cu·ous
US/ˈpɹoʊmɪskwəs/
UK/pɹəmˈɪskjuːəs/
Definition
adj. having many sexual partners or being sexually active with many different people. It can also describe a person who is not careful about their behavior or habits.
adj. engaging in sexual relations with many partners; characterized by a lack of restraint or discipline. Often carries a negative social or moral connotation.
Examples
“The scientist noted that the bacteria were promiscuous, often sharing genetic material with distant relatives.”
Examples
contextual
“The scientist noted that the bacteria were promiscuous, often sharing genetic material with distant relatives.”
Real-World Examples
“Russia’s promiscuous use of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities, anyway, means that the whole of Ukraine is a frontline and, like most visitors to Kyiv, Higgins gets caught up in air raids.” Etymology
From Latin prōmiscuus (“mixed, not separated”), from prō (“forth”) + misceō (“mix”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/promiscuous