Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being excessive and lacking in moderation: The state or characteristic of exceeding reasonable or appropriate limits; an absence of restraint or temperance.

Usage

The noun "immoderation" describes a general quality or state, not a specific act. It is often used in formal or analytical contexts to critique behavior, consumption, or expression that is not kept within sensible bounds. It is the direct opposite of "moderation."

Examples

• Noun:
  • His immoderation at the buffet led to a stomach ache. (His lack of restraint at the buffet led to a stomach ache.)
  • The critic condemned the film for its immoderation in both violence and sentimentality. (The critic condemned the film for its excess in both violence and sentimentality.)
  • A life of immoderation can have serious consequences for one's health. (A life lacking moderation can have serious consequences for one's health.)

Advanced Usage

• "Immoderation in all things": A phrase echoing (and inverting) the classical ideal "moderation in all things," used to describe a philosophy or practice of excess.
  • The decadent era was marked by a belief in immoderation in all things.
• Used in abstract or personified contexts:
  • The immoderation of his ambition was his ultimate downfall.

Variants and Related Words

• Immoderate (adj): Exceeding normal or appropriate bounds; excessive.
  • She was criticized for her immoderate spending.
• Immoderateness (n): A less common synonym for "immoderation."
• Immoderately (adv): In an excessive manner.
  • He drank immoderately.

Synonyms

• Excess: The state of surpassing usual limits.
• Intemperance: Lack of moderation, especially in drinking alcohol or indulging appetites.
• Overindulgence: Excessive indulgence.
• Extravagance: Lack of restraint in spending money or using resources.

Antonyms

• Moderation: The avoidance of excess or extremes.
• Temperance: Moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking.
• Restraint: A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control.

Noun

1. the quality of being excessive and lacking in moderation