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

But his breakaway is also a critique of the modern France where decadence is normalized. —Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024

Chicken stock adds meaty savoriness while a bit of cream offers just a touch of silky decadence, all of which comes steeped with herbaceous thyme and sage, as well as a good hit of garlic. —Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

In contrast to the abstruse beauty of the séance room, the primary bedroom and bath, which the homeowner calls the goddess suite, are all lightness and elegance, a pale-hued sanctuary that casts a spell of serenity tinged with decadence. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024

Trump used to brag about his closeness with Combs, but that hasn’t stopped him and his surrogates from continuing to tag Democrats as the party of celebrity decadence. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 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