indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē 

1

: the quality or state of being indecent

2

: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent

Synonyms

• bawdiness
• blueness
• coarseness
• crudeness
• crudity
• dirt
• dirtiness
• filth
• filthiness
• foulness
• grossness
• impureness
• impurity
• lasciviousness
• lewdness
• nastiness
• obscenity
• profanity
• raunch
• raunchiness
• ribaldry
• smut
• smuttiness
• vulgarity
• wantonness

Examples of indecency in a Sentence

The book has been criticized for indecency.

I was shocked by the indecency of their language.

He was accused of sexual indecencies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Goode will serve the two sentences for indecency with a child concurrently, equating to a term of 40 years in prison. —Ricardo Delgado, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024

There were episodes on figuring out if your child is a budding serial killer, as well as indecency and obscenity in music featuring Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew, Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra, Plasmatics’ Wendy O Williams, and Suicidal Tendencies’ Mike Muir. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024

In October, Kenneth Mortimer was charged with public indecency charge. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2024

California has general laws against public indecency. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē 

plural indecencies

1

: lack of decency

2

: an indecent act or word