indecent

adjective

in·​de·​cent (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊnt How to pronounce indecent (audio)
: not decent: such as
a
: grossly improper or offensive
indecent language
b
: unseemly, inappropriate
he took indecent pleasure in her troubles
indecently adverb

Examples of indecent in a Sentence

He took indecent pleasure in her troubles. paintings of nude figures are artistic, not indecent
Recent Examples on the Web Orange Beach has a vulgarity ordinance on the books, which was enacted about a decade ago amid concerns about vulgar or indecent T-shirts and other merchandise sold at souvenir stores. al, 20 Jan. 2023 Because there are more good people than indecent ones. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2023 But these phenomena can be kept from being indecent and outrageous. Justin Beal, Harper’s Magazine , 12 Dec. 2022 The charges were eventually dropped, with Judge Raymond E. Gieringer dismissing the case and upholding Carlin’s right to free speech despite the indecent language. Sonaiya Kelleystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2022 Skateboards, inline skates, scooters or shoes with wheels. Obscene, offensive, indecent or inappropriate attire. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2022 The new collab premiered on Hot 97 Thursday, September 9, and, because the FCC prohibits obscene, indecent, and profane language on the radio or broadcast television, there’s a series of censors in Kim’s opening bars alone. Vulture, 9 Sep. 2022 Earlier this year, two dozen accusers alleged that Watson committed indecent acts during massage therapy appointments, including allegedly exposing himself. Tracey Harrington McCoy, Peoplemag, 29 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indecent.' 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 or Latin; Middle French indécent, from Latin indecent-, indecens, from in- + decent-, decens decent

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecent was circa 1587

Dictionary Entries Near indecent

Cite this Entry

“Indecent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecent. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indecent

adjective
in·​de·​cent (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ənt How to pronounce indecent (audio)
: not decent or proper : coarse, vulgar
indecent language
indecently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indecent

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