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Glite Dictionary
decadency

decadency

9.5
A loss of moral and cultural values when people live only for pleasure
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛkəˌdɛnsi/
translation icon : decadencia
  • The decadency of society was evident in the increase of selfish behavior and disregard for tradition.

Examples

  • He warned that the decadency of modern culture could lead to a loss of important moral foundations.

  • Many critics argue that the decadency of the art world reflects a lack of genuine creativity and value.

  • - If you have any Christian decadency in you, you will leave.

    The Klansman (1974)

  • Or at least have the decadency to be all torn up and crying and trembling with shame.

    The Klansman (1974)

Synonyms

decadence
vsdecadency
20 8.1

A decline in morals when people enjoy luxury and pleasure too much

is identical in meaning but is an alternate spelling form
debauchery
vsdecadency
  • NSFW
18 9.1

Too much drinking and sex for pleasure

is wider, covering cultural decline and values loss beyond sensual excesses
degeneration
vsdecadency
8 7.5

A process of becoming worse in condition, quality, or morals

refers to the condition of decline rather than the ongoing process
degeneracy
vsdecadency
  • Offensive
2 9.3

A fall in moral and social standards showing corruption

emphasizes decline tied to excessive self indulgence and cultural value loss
dissoluteness
vsdecadency
  • Formal
9.9

A lack of moral control that makes a person enjoy too many physical pleasures

describes broader cultural decline with excessive self indulgence and value deterioration

Antonyms

improvement
619 1.1

A change that makes something better

to uplift
23 3.2

To make someone feel happier and more hopeful

revitalization
  • US
14 5.8

Making a place or community active and healthy again

How Corrupt

depravity
  • Formal
25 8.8
corruption
355 4.8
decadency
9.5
virtue
259 3.8

Surface Forms

decadency singular
decadencies plural

Etymology

Decadency comes from Latin parts de- meaning 'down' and cadere meaning 'to fall'. So decadency pictures a 'falling away' from strength or good values, which is why we use it for moral or cultural decline.