Search Dictionary
Definition of overindulgence
overindulgence
/ˌoʊ.vɚ.ɪnˈdʌl.dʒəns/
o · ver · in · dul · gence
Adverb:overindulgently
•Plural:overindulgences
•Adjective:overindulgent
overindulgence Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
5
overindulgence Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The act or habit of gratifying one's own desires, appetites, or whims to an excessive degree, especially regarding food, drink, or luxury.
Example
"Years of dietary overindulgence eventually took a toll on his cardiovascular health."
2
Excessive leniency or permissive treatment toward another person, such as a child, by yielding too readily to their wishes.
Example
"Psychologists warned that constant parental overindulgence can hinder a child's ability to cope with frustration."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for overindulgence Antonyms
View all antonyms for overindulgence• Rhymes for overindulgence
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 18th century from the English prefix 'over-' and 'indulgence', which derives from Latin 'indulgentia' (meaning tenderness, fondness, or yielding to desires), from the verb 'indulgere' (to be kind to or yield to).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overindulgence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overindulgence