indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē 

1

: the quality or state of being indecent

a book criticized for its indecency

2

: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent

arrested for public indecency

Synonyms of indecency

• vulgarity
• grossness
• obscenity
• lewdness
• suggestiveness
• crudeness
• foulness
• coarseness
• lasciviousness

Examples of indecency in a Sentence

The book has been criticized for indecency.

I was shocked by the indecency of their language.

He was accused of sexual indecencies.

Recent Examples on the Web

As of Monday, July 27, police have obtained three additional warrants on indecency with a child charges. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026

There was so much striving, by individuals and their teams, striving for the World Cup trophy and striving against every structural indecency that conspired to compromise the game’s integrity. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026

My fiancé’s older brother is in prison for felony indecency with a child. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

And a relatively small number of conservative states have banned drag shows under public indecency or obscenity statutes. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indecency

• decency
• recency

Kids Definition

indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē 

plural indecencies

1

: lack of decency

2

: an indecent act or word