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 And the other one [‘Buddenbrooks’] is about the decadence of a Western society rooted in the most brutal form of repression, internal before being external. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2024 Top it off: Take your apple pie bars over the top with decadence with a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving. Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024 The personalized butler service and extravagant spa add to the decadence here. Jim Dobson, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Buttermilk ranch and pickled slaw add a nice acidic element to cut the decadence of butter and honey. Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for decadence 

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 31 Oct. 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

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