noun

decadence

DEH-kuh-duhns

noun

A state of moral or cultural decline, often linked to excessive luxury or self-indulgence.

"Historians point to decadence as one cause of the empire's fall."

"The novel is a portrait of decadence among the wealthy elite."

Luxurious self-indulgence, without necessarily implying moral decline.

"The dessert was pure decadence — three layers of chocolate."

How to Use Decadence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExcessive luxury or indulgence, sometimes with a hint of moral decline, sometimes just meaning "deliciously over-the-top."

Common pairings

sheer decadence moral decadence

decadences plural

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Historians point to _____ as one cause of the empire's fall.

From French décadence, from Medieval Latin decadentia, "decay" — related to "decay" and "decadent."

hence fence Pence whence thence Spence absence science silence defence essence Terence