Word
decadence
Phoneticsdeca·dence
US/ˈdɛkədəns/
UK/dˈɛkədəns/
Definition
n. a state of extreme luxury and pleasure, often seen as a sign that a society or person is becoming weak or corrupt.
n. a state of extreme indulgence in luxury and pleasure, typically viewed as a sign of moral or social decay.
Examples
“The hotel was famous for its decadence and high prices.”
“The city's history is marked by a period of decadence where the elite spent vast sums on art and entertainment.”
“Critics argued that the film's visual decadence masked a deeper narrative of systemic failure, suggesting that the characters' excesses were a symptom of a collapsing social order.”
Examples
simple
“The hotel was famous for its decadence and high prices.”
contextual
“The city's history is marked by a period of decadence where the elite spent vast sums on art and entertainment.”
complex
“Critics argued that the film's visual decadence masked a deeper narrative of systemic failure, suggesting that the characters' excesses were a symptom of a collapsing social order.”
Real-World Examples
“Is a ‘gastronomic society’ dinner the height of decadence, or an act of artistry?” “While the delicate shortcrust-style sweet melts in your mouth, its design adds even more decadence.” Etymology
From French décadence, from Medieval Latin decadentia (“decay”), from decadens (“decaying”), present participle of decadere (“to decay”); see decay.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/decadence