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 Recently, the decadence and excess of the ’80s has been the style reference of choice for the A-list. Georgia Day, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2024 After a healthy start to the new year in January, the holidays in February call for more decadence—and some well-deserved cheat days. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 The film is a celebration of food, the kind that achieves a balance between simplicity and decadence. Katie Walsh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024 From that limbo, the music turns to delusion, decadence and fantasy. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023 This revival means more than just 4,000 pixels that deliver a clearer, brighter digital image; Park’s film intensifies the hostility and decadence that now define our malaise. Armond White, National Review, 6 Sep. 2023 Film-school student Haynes always imitates better directors — Fassbinder’s social melodrama, Joseph Losey’s studies of decadence (pilfering the infelicitous piano score from Losey’s The Go-Between, from 1971). Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024 For pocket-sized decadence, consider a floral scrunchie that might have been snipped from the wild to grace your low ponytail. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2023 Get this for the friend who likes to cosplay as a very good baker and who doesn’t like to skimp on the decadence. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decadence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!