self-indulgent
Americanadjective
-
indulging one's own desires, passions, whims, etc., especially without restraint.
-
characterized by such indulgence.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- self-indulgence noun
- self-indulgently adverb
- self-indulger noun
Etymology
Origin of self-indulgent
First recorded in 1785–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The comedian stayed away from politics, though he did acknowledge the devastating wildfires that struck the region, saying, “in a moment such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent and superfluous.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
In that instance, the public were given the chance to choose the overall winner, opting for the term describing "unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy" behaviour.
From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025
This sentimental and self-indulgent social-dance affair to musical selections from Antonín Dvořák, Patsy Cline, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Donna Summer goes nowhere, repeatedly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025
One said it would be "madness" to get rid of the prime minister at this stage, while one minister branded Burnham's comments "completely illogical and utterly self-indulgent".
From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025
It was a tone that reminded him of Aunt Elizabeth, of views endorsed with an unapologetic, self-indulgent English decency.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
