self-indulgence

noun

self-in·​dul·​gence ˌself-in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s How to pronounce self-indulgence (audio)
: excessive or unrestrained gratification of one's own appetites, desires, or whims
self-indulgent adjective
self-indulgently adverb

Examples of self-indulgence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That picture reflects the hotel’s contemporary twist on Wilde’s tale of decadence and self-indulgence by offering guests an unusual and anonymous way to admit to their past transgressions. Carolyn B. Heller, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2024 Eyewear, fragrances and cosmetics are on the rise, as consumer embrace these categories as a form of self-indulgence amid inflation. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 18 June 2024 After reading about these lobbyists’ lavish spending, self-indulgence and outright frauds, their ensuing downfalls (in most cases) come as a not-so-guilty pleasure. James B. Stewart, New York Times, 16 May 2024 Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Practicing self-care or self-indulgence? USA TODAY, 14 May 2024 But Cowboy Carter’s greatest gift is its self-indulgence, when Beyoncé plays against typecasting and the rules made for her and, sometimes, by her. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2024 Norman Mailer wrote with an unstable mixture of self-indulgence and self-awareness, bravado and diffidence, glibness and bracing honesty, macho posturing and an almost sheepish gentleness. Andrew Delbanco, The New York Review of Books, 28 Mar. 2024 The colorful outfits exude the wacky self-indulgence that comes through in his work, which makes sense: His personal aesthetic has always been part of the shtick. Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 With that victory, however, came overconfidence and self-indulgence, and in recent years the NRA has been mired in distracting controversy. David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-indulgence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-indulgence was in 1636

Dictionary Entries Near self-indulgence

Cite this Entry

“Self-indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-indulgence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-indulgence

noun
self-in·​dul·​gence
ˌsel-fin-ˈdəl-jən(t)s
: the quality or state of being self-indulgent

More from Merriam-Webster on self-indulgence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!