a promiscuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a promiscuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that engages in casual or indiscriminate sexual behavior, or more broadly, to indicate a lack of selectivity in various contexts. Example: "The novel's protagonist was portrayed as a promiscuous character, often engaging in fleeting relationships without emotional attachment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is a promiscuous genre-hopper.

The Guardian - Film

A promiscuous teenager is murdered in Lisbon.

The New York Times - Books

A promiscuous woman would therefore run the risk of infertility.

The New York Times

A beach with a promiscuous number of seashells.

The New Yorker

First Mr. Scott conjured a promiscuous denim world.

The New York Times

Bean, the middle sister, is a promiscuous attention seeker.

The New York Times - Books

Jonathan's novel opens with a man meeting a promiscuous and alcoholic dachshund in a railway station.

The Guardian - Books

A promiscuous journalist finds love in the latest barn-stormer from the director of Knocked Up.

The Guardian - Film

(She plays a promiscuous maths teacher whose revenge shag goes comically wrong).

The Guardian

Fisher was twenty, and had played a promiscuous teen in "Shampoo," with Warren Beatty.

The New Yorker

It's a promiscuous exchange that invigorates both high fashion and low.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a promiscuous" to describe a person's behavior, be mindful of the potential for judgment and stigma. Consider alternative phrasing if the primary goal is not to emphasize sexual activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a promiscuous" in formal or professional settings unless the context directly relates to sexual behavior or indiscriminate activity. Opt for more neutral terms like "diverse", "varied", or "non-selective" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a promiscuous" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes a quality or characteristic of the noun, indicating a lack of selectivity or engaging in indiscriminate behavior, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a promiscuous" is grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adjective describing a lack of selectivity or indiscriminate behavior. While prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, its use should be carefully considered due to potentially judgmental connotations. As the examples showcased, it is important to choose the most appropriate term based on the specific context and desired tone, considering alternatives like "indiscriminate", "casual", or "non-selective" when necessary. Ludwig's examples serve as valuable guides for understanding and applying the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indiscriminate

Emphasizes a lack of discrimination or careful selection, applicable in various contexts.

a non-selective

Highlights the absence of selectivity, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

a casual

Suggests a lack of commitment or seriousness, particularly in relationships.

a loose

Implies a lack of moral restraint, often in reference to sexual behavior.

an uninhibited

Focuses on the lack of inhibition or restraint in behavior.

a wanton

Suggests recklessness or disregard for consequences, particularly in sexual behavior.

a licentious

Implies a disregard for rules, especially in sexual matters.

a dissolute

Describes someone who indulges in immoral or excessive behavior.

a debauched

Suggests moral corruption and indulgence in sensual pleasures.

a profligate

Emphasizes wastefulness or extravagance, applicable in various contexts beyond sexual behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "a promiscuous" in a sentence?

You can use "a promiscuous" to describe a person's behavior (e.g., "She was portrayed as "a promiscuous" character"), or to describe something lacking selectivity (e.g., "The enzyme has "a promiscuous" binding affinity").

What are some alternatives to saying "a promiscuous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an indiscriminate", "a casual", or "a non-selective".

Is it always appropriate to use the term "a promiscuous"?

No, the term "a promiscuous" can be judgmental and stigmatizing. It's important to consider the context and your audience before using this term. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to use a more neutral or descriptive term.

What's the difference between "a promiscuous" and "a loose"?

"A promiscuous" generally refers to having many casual sexual partners, while "a loose" often implies a lack of moral restraint or discretion, not necessarily limited to sexual behavior.