vulgarity

noun

vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈger-rə-tē 

-ˈga-rə-

plural vulgarities

1

: something vulgar

2

: the quality or state of being vulgar

Synonyms

• rudeness
• crassness
• lowness
• grossness
• roughness
• coarseness
• crudeness

Examples of vulgarity in a Sentence

a comedian known for her vulgarity

I was shocked by the vulgarity of his language.

He uttered a vulgarity and was silent.

We have a policy against printing vulgarities in our magazine.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the racist, nativist vulgarities spoken out loud in Paul Thomas Anderson’s marvelous new film One Battle After Another evoke sentiments that, in our world, first fomented online. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025

Scott also wanted that level of vulgarity because the song was inspired by true events. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The texts ranged in vulgarity and aggression, but mostly insulted their relationship and poked at Lauryn's insecurities. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

The sour stench of the carcasses was a vulgarity almost too great to bear. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vulgarity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity
• planarity
• polarity
• posterity
• prosperity

Kids Definition

vulgarity

noun

vul·​gar·​i·​ty ˌvəl-ˈgar-ət-ē 

plural vulgarities

1

: the quality or state of being vulgar

2

: something vulgar