thoroughgoing

Thoroughgoing is an English adjective used to describe something carried out in a completely thorough, exhaustive, and methodical manner. It often characterizes actions, analyses, or attitudes that leave no detail unexamined. In usage, it conveys a strong emphasis on completeness and persistence, and can describe people who apply rigorous standards or processes that are all-encompassing. The tone can be neutral or mildly evaluative, depending on context.

Etymology: The term is a compound of thorough and going, with thorough meaning complete or exhaustive and going indicating ongoing action or practice. The fusion into thoroughgoing dates from Early Modern English and follows a pattern seen in similar -going formations, where the suffix conveys the sense of “characterized by” or “in the manner of.”

Usage and nuance: Thoroughgoing is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts to denote a high degree of thoroughness. It is often applied to reforms, investigations, analyses, or personal dispositions. For example, a thoroughgoing reform aims to overhaul every aspect; a thoroughgoing skeptic questions all assumptions rather than accepting them at face value.

Related terms and see also: Related adjectives include thorough, meticulous, exhaustive, and rigorous. Antonyms include superficial, partial, cursory, and perfunctory. See also phrases such as thoroughgoingly (rare) and all-encompassing descriptions of processes or investigations.