Word
indecent
Phoneticsin·de·cent, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdisənt/
UK/ˌɪndˈiːsənt/
Definition
adj. offensive or shocking because it breaks rules about what is proper, especially regarding sex or the body. It can also describe something that is very inappropriate or rude.
adj. offending against generally accepted standards of propriety or morality, particularly in sexual matters. Often used in legal contexts to describe behavior or materials that violate public decency laws.
Examples
“The movie was banned for its indecent content.”
“The judge ruled that the public display was indecent and ordered the gallery to remove it immediately.”
“While the lyrics were considered indecent by conservative groups, the artist argued they were a necessary reflection of the harsh realities found in urban environments.”
Examples
simple
“The movie was banned for its indecent content.”
contextual
“The judge ruled that the public display was indecent and ordered the gallery to remove it immediately.”
complex
“While the lyrics were considered indecent by conservative groups, the artist argued they were a necessary reflection of the harsh realities found in urban environments.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indecent” in context.
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become', or attributively before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“The offences included sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child and making an indecent photograph of a child.” “He told the court Dawes had been downloading indecent images of children for about 16 years.” Etymology
From in- + decent.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/indecent