decadence

noun

dec·​a·​dence ˈde-kə-dən(t)s 

 also  di-ˈkā-

1

: the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent

the decadence of modern society

escape the decadence that attends upon old age

—G. L. Dickinson

2

: a period of decline

Synonyms

• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• degradation
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• devolution
• downfall
• downgrade
• ebb
• eclipse
• fall

Choose the Right Synonym for decadence

deterioration, degeneration, decadence, decline mean the falling from a higher to a lower level in quality, character, or vitality.

deterioration implies generally the impairment of value or usefulness.

the deterioration of the house through neglect

degeneration stresses physical, intellectual, or especially moral retrogression.

the degeneration of their youthful idealism into cynicism

decadence presupposes a reaching and passing the peak of development and implies a turn downward with a consequent loss in vitality or energy.

cited love of luxury as a sign of cultural decadence

decline differs from decadence in suggesting a more markedly downward direction and greater momentum as well as more obvious evidence of deterioration.

the meteoric decline of his career after the scandal

Examples of decadence in a Sentence

The book condemns the decadence of modern society.

a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet the overall decadence of the drink remains the same. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

The ’80s, the decade of decadence and extremes, is a major influence of the jewelry collections from the spring runway. —Thomas Waller, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

Designed by Garrett Singer Architecture + Design this nightclub is maximalist and fun, celebrating the decadence of the ‘70s with custom disco chandeliers. —Rana Good, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Perhaps Lucius should blame the emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), monstrous twin tyrants who have sent the empire spiralling into decadence. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Medieval Latin decadentia, from Late Latin decadent-, decadens, present participle of decadere to fall, sink — more at decay entry 1

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

decadence

noun

dec·​a·​dence ˈdek-əd-ən(t)s 

 also  di-ˈkād-ᵊn(t)s

1

: a falling off in quality or strength : a sinking to a lower state or level

2

: the tendency to give in to one's desires for comfort and pleasure

decadent

ˈdek-əd-ənt

 also  di-ˈkād-ᵊnt

adjective

decadent noun

decadently adverb