Wallowing

The act of indulging in something, often negatively, without restraint or concern for consequences. It can refer to physical actions like rolling around in mud or water, or, more commonly, to emotional states such as excessive dwelling on sorrow, self-pity, or negative thoughts. It implies a lack of effort to change one's state and a passive acceptance of unpleasant circumstances. The term carries a connotation of helplessness or a deliberate embrace of discomfort. In essence, wallowing suggests a stagnant and self-destructive pattern of behavior or feeling, rather than a process of recovery or coping.

Wallowing meaning with examples

• After the breakup, Sarah spent weeks wallowing in self-pity, refusing to leave her apartment, constantly listening to sad songs, and replaying every perceived fault in the relationship. She rejected her friends' attempts to cheer her up, seemingly relishing the misery and turning down any opportunity to move on. Her unhealthy wallowing prevented her from beginning to heal.
• The piglet enjoyed wallowing in the cool mud, completely oblivious to the farmer's attempts to clean its pen. The thick mud felt like a soothing blanket, providing relief from the heat, and a sense of pleasure in the uninhibited act. It rolled and wriggled, embracing the dirt and mess with complete satisfaction. This physical wallowing was its simple and perfect world.
• He noticed the community wallowing in the aftermath of the disaster, the town residents trapped by hopelessness. Years after the devastation, the community was defined by its stagnation, unable to rebuild and lacking a driving purpose, unwilling to engage in the necessary work. He wanted to help create a different path and offer hope.
• Despite warnings, the politician continued to wallowing in scandal, offering the same defensive explanations, instead of adopting corrective action. The persistent negative publicity resulted in a decline of his public support as he refused to accept that his behavior caused problems. His continued inability to alter the situation frustrated both his supporters and critics alike.
• She found herself wallowing in nostalgia for the past, constantly looking through old photos and revisiting memories of happier times while neglecting the possibilities and opportunities presented by her present situation. She became completely disconnected from reality. This constant and unwanted retrospection prevented her from building a future.