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

• 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

They were recognized leaders of an artistic movement denigrated by Nazi leadership as Marxist-Jewish decadence. —Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025

There are other ice cream shops in Alliance town center like Cold Stone, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Marble Slab Creamery, but nothing that offers the decadence of The Scoop. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025

Her image is now shorthand for beauty, decadence, rebellion, and misogyny. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025

The show explores the complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette, and her timeless appeal, defined by her exceptional style and controversial image, which became synonymous with excess—representing youth, decadence, power and notoriety. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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