noun
decadence
DEH-kuh-duhns
Decadence (noun) means a state of moral or cultural decline, often linked to excessive luxury or self-indulgence. Example: “Historians point to decadence as one cause of the empire's fall.”
noun
1
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."
2
Luxurious self-indulgence, without necessarily implying moral decline.
"The dessert was pure decadence — three layers of chocolate."
How to use decadence
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- decadences
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Historians point to _____ as one cause of the empire's fall.
Etymology
From French décadence, from Medieval Latin decadentia, "decay" — related to "decay" and "decadent."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for decadence
See all rhymes for decadence →Frequently asked questions
What does “decadence” mean?
The word “decadence” means a state of moral or cultural decline, often linked to excessive luxury or self-indulgence. In plain terms, excessive luxury or indulgence, sometimes with a hint of moral decline, sometimes just meaning "deliciously over-the-top.".
How do you pronounce “decadence”?
“Decadence” is pronounced DEH-kuh-duhns (/ˈdɛkədəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “decadence” in a sentence?
Here is “decadence” used in a sentence: “Historians point to decadence as one cause of the empire's fall.”
What part of speech is “decadence”?
“Decadence” is a noun.
Where does the word “decadence” come from?
The word “decadence” comes from Medieval Latin. From French décadence, from Medieval Latin decadentia, "decay" — related to "decay" and "decadent.".
How many meanings does “decadence” have?
“Decadence” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of moral or cultural decline, often linked to excessive luxury or self-indulgence.
