complete abandon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete abandon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of total surrender or giving up on something entirely. Example: "In a moment of complete abandon, she decided to leave her job and travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Complete abandon.' That's what I was after".

The New York Times

And it certainly doesn't mean that we should continue to use glyphosate, or any other chemical, with complete abandon.

The New Yorker

"This is an American president who uses the death penalty with complete abandon and disregard for any respect for life.

The Guardian

It would be nice to say that Ms. Schaffel appears adaptable; perhaps she hasn't quite made the transition to complete abandon and foolishness.

The New York Times

The crowd pogoed up and down, and though there were many couples almost everywhere I looked, bearded, shirtless men sang to each other with complete abandon and obvious delight.

The New York Times

Beneath the surface, curled into a ball, knowing that position to be the path of least resistance, there was a sense of complete abandon, and simultaneously, in the womb of the wave, a sense of helplessness and trust.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I've complete abandoned using Microsoft Office altogether, but I do have NeoOffice installed for offline usage (mostly when flying).

TechCrunch

"The idea that we put kids with Asperger's, heroin addictions, depression and extreme anxiety disorders in one programme with a rigid, regimented schedule and expect it to help all of those kids – how could that be? "Americans have this idea that addiction and drug use is about complete hedonistic abandon, seeking extra pleasure and defying your parents.

Vice

"The idea that we put kids with Asperger's, heroin addictions, depression, and extreme anxiety disorders in one program with a rigid, regimented schedule and expect it to help all of those kids—how could that be? "Americans have this idea that addiction and drug use is about complete hedonistic abandon, seeking extra pleasure and defying your parents.

Vice

They hastily undertook a complete remake, abandoning traditional customers and losing 30 percent of revenue.

The New York Times

Set piece after set piece, you will read on, absolutely convinced, thrilled, mesmerised with disgust and the fascinating novelty of it all: breathtakingly lucky escapes; a complete train, abandoned and alone on an embankment; a sudden liberating, joyous discovery or a cellar of incarcerated amputees being slowly eaten.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete abandon" to describe situations where someone acts without any hesitation or restraint, either positively (e.g., dancing with complete abandon) or negatively (e.g., using resources with complete abandon).

Common error

While "complete abandon" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language when describing complex phenomena.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete abandon" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs like 'use', 'dance', or 'spend', indicating the manner in which the action is performed. Ludwig AI validates its common and acceptable grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete abandon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of unrestrained behavior or a total lack of inhibition. Ludwig provides various examples highlighting its usage across different contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the tone and audience when using it in formal writing. Alternatives such as "utter disregard" or "reckless abandon" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and frequent occurrence in diverse sources. Finally, be aware that, as stated in the writing guidance, while grammatically correct, "complete abandon" might not always be suitable for formal or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter disregard

Emphasizes a total lack of consideration or respect.

total surrender

Highlights the act of giving oneself over entirely to something.

unrestrained enthusiasm

Focuses on the positive, energetic aspect of lacking inhibition.

reckless abandon

Implies a lack of caution and potential negative consequences.

wild abandon

Stresses the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of the action.

uninhibited joy

Highlights the free and expressive nature of happiness.

free rein

Indicates unrestricted freedom to act or express oneself.

full license

Suggests permission or authorization to act without limits.

absolute freedom

Emphasizes the absence of constraints or restrictions.

unreservedly

Adverb indicating that something is done without any reservations or limitations.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete abandon" to describe a state of unrestrained behavior or a total lack of inhibition. For instance, "She danced with "complete abandon" at the party", or "He spent money with "complete abandon"".

What are some alternatives to "complete abandon"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "utter disregard", "total surrender", or "reckless abandon".

Is it always appropriate to use "complete abandon" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "complete abandon" might not always be suitable for formal or academic contexts. Consider the tone and audience of your writing and choose language that aligns with the overall purpose.

What is the difference between "reckless abandon" and "complete abandon"?

"Reckless abandon" implies a disregard for potential consequences, while "complete abandon" simply denotes a lack of restraint. While they can be used interchangeably in some cases, "reckless abandon" carries a stronger connotation of irresponsibility.