Word
debauchery
Phoneticsde·bauch·ery
US/dəˈbɔtʃɝi/
UK/dɪbˈɔːtʃəɹi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a time of wild, immoral, or very bad behavior. It often describes a party or a period where people do things that are against the rules or the law.
n. a period of immoral or licentious behavior, typically involving excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. Often carries a strong moralistic or religious tone.
Examples
“The town was known for its debauchery and wild parties.”
“The novel explores the debauchery of the French court in the years leading up to the revolution.”
“Historians often debate whether the perceived debauchery of the court was a genuine reflection of the era or a calculated political tool used by critics to undermine the monarchy.”
Examples
simple
“The town was known for its debauchery and wild parties.”
contextual
“The novel explores the debauchery of the French court in the years leading up to the revolution.”
complex
“Historians often debate whether the perceived debauchery of the court was a genuine reflection of the era or a calculated political tool used by critics to undermine the monarchy.”
Real-World Examples
“But this kind of behaviour is better termed debauchery – extreme indulgence in bodily pleasures and especially sexual pleasures – rather than hedonism.” “If health is a linear spectrum, slamming a pouch of this in the morning is probably the polar opposite of ripping a shot of Malort while pregaming for a night of debauchery.” “The stories of the time are full of grand guignol—passion, love, debauchery, men ruined for love, suicides, deaths—and also of ribald humor.” Etymology
From debauch + -ery. First use appears c. 1642.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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