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 of vulgarity

• 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

The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Community outrage about the image, along with online posts calling the mayor a host of vulgarities, spilled into a recent council meeting and is inflaming political divisions within College Park. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026

In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

The distinction between ugliness and vulgarity feels important now. — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

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