Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Complete, absolute, and without qualification: Used to emphasize that something is total, unmitigated, or extreme in its nature, often informally and sometimes with a pejorative connotation.
   • Carried out completely and comprehensively: Describing an action or process that is performed with great thoroughness, attention to detail, and completeness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Absolute):
  • He was a thoroughgoing villain who showed no remorse for his actions.
  • Her criticism of the plan was thoroughgoing; she left no aspect unexamined.
• Adjective (Comprehensive):
  • The committee conducted a thoroughgoing review of the company's financial records.
  • This book is the product of thoroughgoing research into medieval history.

Advanced Usage

• As an intensifier: Often used before a noun to add strong emphasis, similar to "utter," "absolute," or "complete." This usage can be informal.
  • That statement is thoroughgoing nonsense.
• In formal analysis: Used to describe an approach or method that is meticulous and leaves nothing out.
  • The report provided a thoroughgoing analysis of the economic factors involved.

Variants and Related Words

• Thorough (adj): Carried out completely and carefully. (e.g., )
• Thoroughly (adv): In a thorough manner. (e.g., )
• Thoroughness (n): The quality of being thorough. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Absolute: Complete and total.
• Arrant: Complete, utter (used typically with negative connotations).
• Complete: Having all parts or elements; finished.
• Comprehensive: Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
• Exhaustive: Including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive.
• Unmitigated: Absolute; unqualified.
• Utter: Complete; absolute.

Antonyms

• Partial: Existing only in part; incomplete.
• Superficial: Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep.
• Incomplete: Not having all the necessary or appropriate parts.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A thoroughgoing reform: A change or set of changes that is complete and affects every part of a system.
  • The new administration promised a thoroughgoing reform of the tax code.
• Thoroughgoing honesty: Complete and uncompromising truthfulness.
  • I appreciate your thoroughgoing honesty, even when the truth is difficult.

Adjective

1. without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
   • an arrant fool
   • a complete coward
   • a consummate fool
   • a double-dyed villain
   • gross negligence
   • a perfect idiot
   • pure folly
   • what a sodding mess
   • stark staring mad
   • a thoroughgoing villain
   • utter nonsense
   • the unadulterated truth
2. performed comprehensively and completely
   • an exhaustive study
   • made a thorough search
   • thoroughgoing research