decadence

noun

dec·​a·​dence ˈde-kə-dən(t)s 

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 age

—G. L. Dickinson

2

: a period of decline

Synonyms of decadence

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent

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

Serving up a slice is decadence on a plate, with a little brunch flair. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025

There are no heroes in Les Liaisons dangereuses, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s epistolary novel of cold-blooded decadence in the same French court that would be violently overthrown a few years after its publication in 1782. —Judy Berman, Time, 14 Nov. 2025

Darkness and desperation always lurked behind the gonzo decadence, a dynamic that’s missing on the comparatively bright-eyed Stardust. —Stephen Kearse, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

The space is elegant and bright, and surprisingly functional given its decadence. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025

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

Kids Definition

decadence

noun

dec·​a·​dence ˈdek-əd-ən(t)s 

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