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

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent

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

As for textures and materials that pair well with the soothing paint color, Woelfel suggests organic, earthy textures, warm wood tones, and gold metallic accents to add a hint of decadence. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025

By the end of the 1960s, what remained of the Western counterculture had turned increasingly to violence, decadence, and narcosis as the political and cultural utopia promised in the previous decade had begun to collapse. —Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025

The juxtaposition of these two things: classic, early Hollywood decadence, which is languid and which has its own flavor of Americana, next to frank, twenty first century poetry written to music. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

With fiery romances, rivalries, and surprises—including former employee Stassi Schroeder’s watchful eye—Vanderpump Villa promises another summer of pure decadence and drama. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025

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