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

With its dramatic flair and creative decadence, Orth says Art Deco matches this vibrant, imaginative energy. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

But if Naples’s gaudy decadence is hot on social media, the city is also experiencing a much more unromantic, enduring and crude degradation that is engulfing the youth from its poorer quarters. —Gianni Cipriano, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

The Hollywood epic sees Chazelle embrace an aesthetic of decadence and depravity to showcase the outrageous excess of 1920s Hollywood, as the industry transitions from silent pictures to the talkies. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Evoking the same decadence as an ultra creamy and sweet dessert, this mist is a velvety gourmand. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 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