self-indulgent
Americanadjective
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indulging one's own desires, passions, whims, etc., especially without restraint.
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characterized by such indulgence.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-indulgent
First recorded in 1785–95
Explanation
Anything self-indulgent you do for yourself, without thinking about other people. Enjoy a self-indulgent day at the spa! But self-indulgent can also mean “selfish,” like a rambling self-indulgent speech that puts the audience to sleep. Eating whatever you feel like, even if it's ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is self-indulgent. Spending an entire day lying in a hammock when you have a project to work on for school is also self-indulgent. You just do what you feel like doing: in other words, you indulge yourself. Indulge, "to grant as an unearned favor," comes from the Latin indulgere, "be kind, yield, or concede."
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.
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
But it’s tough to shake the impression that the book’s grand quest, Patricia’s attempt to rescue a self, is self-indulgent and repetitious, spiraling to earth as it tries to soar.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2025
Isn’t this a “First World problem,” a form of privileged whining or a self-indulgent bid for tea and sympathy?
From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2025
They keep themselves wrapped in gray cloth armor and selfless acts, convinced that to share is to be self-indulgent.
From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
