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