Vocabulary – Choose the option that BEST expresses the meaning of the highlighted word in context. Sentence: The indiscriminate demand for mass consumption goods is deplorable.

Introduction / Context:
“Indiscriminate” means done without careful choice, selection, or distinction. In economics or policy discussions, an indiscriminate demand implies buying or urging consumption without considering quality, need, or priority.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: indiscriminate.
• Context: demand for mass consumption goods.
• Aim: closest single-word synonym among options.

Concept / Approach:
The core feature is the lack of discrimination (no distinction). Hence “undifferentiated” is the best fit. “Discreet” is a false friend (means tactful); “desperate” focuses on urgency; “insensitive” targets lack of feeling, not selection.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Reduce to essence: indiscriminate = without distinction/selection.2) Compare candidates: “undifferentiated” retains the selectionlessness.3) Eliminate distractors with different semantic axes.4) Choose “undifferentiated.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “The undifferentiated demand … is deplorable.” This is idiomatic in policy critique.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• desperate: denotes urgent need, not lack of selection.
• discreet: means tactful; near-homograph but unrelated.
• insensitive: emotional/ethical dimension, not selection criteria.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “indiscriminate” with “indiscreet”; the latter means lacking prudence in revealing information.

Final Answer:
undifferentiated