decadence

noun

dec·​a·​dence ˈde-kə-dən(t)s How to pronounce decadence (audio)
 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 ageG. L. Dickinson
2
: a period of decline
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yoon is the first South Korean in modern times to refuse to reside at the centuries-old Blue House, decrying it as a symbol of imperial decadence, and instead controversially renovating the former Foreign Minister’s residence at great expense. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Nearly 50 years after his death, there are movies made, books written, and impersonators who perform everything from legit shows to Vegas weddings and, of course, dishes that pay homage to a man whose decadence was infamous. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025 Food Our Tarts, Ourselves Chris Randle Butter tarts are strangely modest in their excess, a two-dollar decadence. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 The brutalism of The Brutalist fits millennial, anti-Western decadence. Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for decadence 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of decadence was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near decadence

Cite this Entry

“Decadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decadence. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

decadence

noun
dec·​a·​dence ˈdek-əd-ən(t)s How to pronounce decadence (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on decadence

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