indecent

adjective

in·​de·​cent (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊnt 

: not decent: such as

a

: grossly improper or offensive

indecent language

b

: unseemly, inappropriate

he took indecent pleasure in her troubles

indecently adverb

Synonyms

• obscene
• pornographic
• vulgar
• foul
• nasty

Examples of indecent in a Sentence

He took indecent pleasure in her troubles.

paintings of nude figures are artistic, not indecent

Recent Examples on the Web

Morris was indicted in March on five felony charges of lewd or indecent acts to a child, the Star-Telegram previously reported. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025

In May 2022, Batali was found not guilty on charges of indecent battery and assault in Boston Municipal Court. —Erin Clements, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Simms was charged with one count of indecent liberties with a student. —Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025

MasterChef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode have been fired amid claims of inappropriate behavior on set, and celebrated news anchor Huw Edwards was handed a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years last year after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French indécent, from Latin indecent-, indecens, from in- + decent-, decens decent

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing indecent

• indecent assault
• indecent exposure

Rhymes for indecent

• decent
• puissant
• recent

Kids Definition

indecent

adjective

in·​de·​cent (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ənt 

: not decent or proper : coarse, vulgar

indecent language

indecently adverb