Main Entry:

dec·a·dence

Pronunciation:

\ˈde-kə-dən(t)s also di-ˈkā-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle French, from Medieval Latin decadentia, from Late Latin decadent-, decadens, present participle of decadere to fall, sink — more at decay

Date:

1530

1 : the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent 2 : a period of decline

synonyms see deterioration