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self-indulgence

self-indulgence

6 6.8
Giving yourself too much pleasure or comfort
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛlf ɪnˈdʌl dʒəns/
translation icon : autocomplacencia
  • His constant self-indulgence in sweets and snacks contributed to his weight gain.

Too many of us now tend to worship self indulgence and consumption.

Examples

  • "Vapid reflection seems, at best, an exercise in self-indulgence, and we rightly resist self-indulgence without a purpose.

    Academic text (1998)
  • This lady has had a night of self-indulgence.

  • Lack of commitment and too much self-indulgence.

  • And this is the risk; it is this condition that begins the danger of self-indulgence.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Too many of us now tend to worship self indulgence and consumption.

  • Self-indulgence, on the other hand, does not have a significant impact on the level of cynicism.

    Academic text (2002)
  • In his own actions, the element of self-indulgence niggled at his conscience.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The cynicism or self-indulgence of contemporary Koreans is largely related to their material standards of living.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Where else, indeed, could Carlyle end up in such a story but in the land of giddy self-indulgence and instant gratification?

    Academic text (2001)
  • Alas for Anna, who had no inkling that her feckless self-indulgence was imperiling the fate of democracy!

    Academic text (1999)

Synonyms

indulgence
vsself-indulgence
24 6.0

A small pleasure you allow yourself, often without much self-control

describes excess and lack of restraint rather than simple permitted enjoyment
overindulgence
vsself-indulgence
2 6.1

Doing too much of something enjoyable, often food or treats, that causes harm

is the same idea of excessive gratification with no added nuance
self-gratification
vsself-indulgence
  • NSFW
2 6.8

Doing things to get pleasure for yourself

implies excess and lack of restraint beyond mere satisfaction
intemperance
vsself-indulgence
  • Formal
1 9.1

Not having control over what you do, especially eating or drinking too much

refers to excessive gratification of desires rather than just lack of control
voraciousness
vsself-indulgence
1 7.9

A very strong desire for more food, money or success

focuses on acting to satisfy desires excessively rather than on desire intensity
dissipation
vsself-indulgence
  • NSFW
1 8.9

A life of too much pleasure that wastes money and harms health

covers excessive gratification broadly rather than emphasising waste or moral laxity
immoderateness
vsself-indulgence
9.9

A way of behaving that is too much

is used for excessive personal gratification rather than general excess
intemperateness
vsself-indulgence
  • Formal
9.9

Lack of self-control that makes someone overdo things like eating or drinking

highlights excessive personal gratification rather than a general habitual fault
dissoluteness
vsself-indulgence
  • Formal
9.9

A lack of moral control that makes a person enjoy too many physical pleasures

applies more generally to excessive gratification not only immoral sensual excess

Antonyms

The ability to control your feelings and urges

4 5.7

Choosing not to have something you want for moral, religious, or unselfish reasons

How Indulgent

self-indulgence
6 6.8
indulgence
24 6.0
restraint
122 4.8
moderation
47 3.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

self-indulgence = self + indulgence (transparent) = self + indulgence

The meaning follows directly from the components 'self' + 'indulgence' (gratification of one's own desires).

Etymology

The word self-indulgence is made of self ('oneself') and indulgence (from indulge, 'give in' or 'treat'). It gives a simple picture: someone 'gives in' to their own wishes and treats themselves too much, so self-indulgence means enjoying things for yourself without limits.