a complete indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone fully indulges in something, often referring to pleasure or luxury without restraint. Example: "After a long week of work, I treated myself to a complete indulgence at the spa, enjoying every moment of relaxation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You might make it a 1-10 scale, where 1 is a complete indulgence in the exact thing(s) you are trying to avoid, and 10 is a stoic adherence to strict rules you've set for yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is a complete joy to see Branagh's Olivier erupt in queeny frustration at Marilyn's lateness, space-cadet vagueness, and preposterous Method acting indulgence.

The Guardian - Film

The children of Wet Wipes consider a banana an indulgence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While many walk the line with grace and balance, there are also a significant number of narcissists who bathe in the celebrity spotlight in complete self-indulgence.

Huffington Post

It was complete self-indulgence from director Yu Sukuzi, the Sega pioneer behind arcade classics like Hang-On, Space Harrier and Virtua Fighter – if Out Run was his "My Generation", Shenmue III is setting itself up to be his version of Pete Townsend's unfinished sci-fi epic Lifehouse.

Vice

This is a car that should be an indulgence, a reward, a treat.

Forbes

As the article states, one of the prerequisites for obtaining an indulgence is "complete detachment from any inclination to sin".

The New York Times

Is a classics degree an indulgence?

The Guardian

But I know this is a vanity and an indulgence.

The New York Times - Books

A greasy, English breakfast complete with fried eggs and sausages sounds more like an occasional indulgence than a prescription for long life, but for John Mansfield, it seems to be doing the trick.

Huffington Post

So this little side trip is an indulgence — a visit to an enthusiasm of the past.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a reward after hard work, use "a complete indulgence" to emphasize the deservedness and thorough enjoyment of the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete indulgence" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "comprehensive benefit" or "full advantage" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete indulgence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where someone fully indulges in something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete indulgence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an act of fully enjoying something pleasurable without restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for informal contexts, particularly when describing a deserved reward. While examples are rare, its meaning is clear and easily understood. Alternative phrases like "total self-indulgence" or "pure gratification" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. While suitable for news media and general contexts, the phrase is less appropriate for formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrestrained indulgence

Highlights the lack of limits or restrictions, emphasizing the freedom to enjoy without holding back.

total self-indulgence

Emphasizes the focus on personal pleasure without considering others or responsibilities, adding a dimension of selfishness.

pure gratification

Highlights the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction derived from the experience, focusing on the positive emotional outcome.

unmitigated luxury

Underscores the luxurious nature of the experience, suggesting it is of the highest quality and without any drawbacks.

absolute pampering

Suggests being treated with extreme care and luxury, emphasizing the element of being catered to.

unadulterated pleasure

Stresses the purity and intensity of the enjoyment, suggesting that it's free from any negative aspects or guilt.

full-blown decadence

Implies a luxurious and extravagant experience, with a hint of moral looseness or excess.

sheer delight

Focuses on the intense happiness and joy that the indulgence brings, emphasizing the emotional uplift.

ultimate treat

Positions the indulgence as a special reward, something that is rare and highly valued.

thorough enjoyment

Focuses on the complete and comprehensive nature of the pleasure derived from the experience, without specific implications of luxury or excess.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete indulgence" in a sentence?

You might say, "After finishing the project, I allowed myself "a complete indulgence" with a spa day".

What's a good alternative to "a complete indulgence"?

Depending on the context, you could use "total self-indulgence", "pure gratification", or "absolute pampering".

Is it appropriate to use "a complete indulgence" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""a complete indulgence"" is generally better suited for informal contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "a comprehensive benefit" or "a full advantage" in professional settings.

What does ""a complete indulgence"" imply?

It suggests fully giving in to something pleasurable, often luxurious, without reservation or guilt. It can imply a sense of reward or deserved enjoyment.