decadence
the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay: Some historians hold that the fall of Rome can be attributed to internal decadence.
moral degeneration or decay; turpitude.
unrestrained or excessive self-indulgence.
(often initial capital letter) the decadent movement in literature.
Origin of decadence
1- Also dec·a·den·cy [dek-uh-duhn-see, dih-keyd-n-]. /ˈdɛk ə dən si, dɪˈkeɪd n-/.
Other words for decadence
Other words from decadence
- non·dec·a·dence, noun
- non·dec·a·den·cy, noun
- o·ver·dec·a·dence, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use decadence in a sentence
Investigation shows one striking feature as having been common to most of these great decadences.
Feminism and Sex-Extinction | Arabella KenealyThe individuals composing it can only have become progressively decadent by progressive hereditary decadences.
Feminism and Sex-Extinction | Arabella KenealyThat spirit, so young, so full of life, would I fear have resigned itself with difficulty to the inevitable decadences of age.
Frightful decadences followed; but the little casket which contained the "Thoughts" on the banks of the Granicus was saved.
English Conferences of Ernest Renan | Ernest RenanIn respect to other things there may be times of darkness and times of light; there may be risings, decadences, and revivals.
British Dictionary definitions for decadence
decadency
/ (ˈdɛkədəns) /
deterioration, esp of morality or culture; decay; degeneration
the state reached through such a process
Origin of decadence
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse