depravity

noun

de·​prav·​i·​ty di-ˈpra-və-tē How to pronounce depravity (audio)
 also  -ˈprā-
plural depravities
1
: a corrupt act or practice
the depravities of war
2
: the quality or state of being corrupt, evil, or perverted : the quality or state of being depraved
He is awed by its fabulous wealth but deeply troubled by what he sees as its moral depravityNicholas D. Kristof

Examples of depravity in a Sentence

He was sinking into a life of utter depravity. People were shocked by the depravity of her actions.
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.
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 Even Hulu’s Rivals could frighten you with the depths of its amorous characters’ depravity. Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Everyone makes a choice, succumbing to the inertia of their depravity or leaping into the motion of change. Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 Even in a decade marred by online grifters, shameless politicians, and an alternative right-wing-media complex pushing anti-science fringe theories, the events of the past few weeks stand out for their depravity and nihilism. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depravity 

Word History

Etymology

see deprave

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depravity was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near depravity

Cite this Entry

“Depravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depravity. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

depravity

noun
de·​prav·​i·​ty di-ˈprav-ət-ē How to pronounce depravity (audio)
plural depravities
1
: a corrupt act or practice
2
: the quality or state of being depraved

Legal Definition

depravity

noun
de·​prav·​i·​ty di-ˈpra-və-tē How to pronounce depravity (audio)
plural depravities
1
: the quality or state of being depraved
2
: a corrupt act or practice

More from Merriam-Webster on depravity

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