Word
vulgarity
Phoneticsvul·gar·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/vəɫˈɡɛɹɪti/
UK/vʌlɡˈæɹɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. rude or offensive language or behaviour that shows bad taste. You use it for words, jokes, or actions that feel too crude for polite company.
n. crude or offensive character in language, humour, or behaviour, marked by lack of refinement or sensitivity to social norms. Extends from mild coarseness to explicit obscenity.
Examples
“He dislikes the vulgarity of late-night comedy shows.”
“The teacher asked the students to avoid vulgarity in their sketches and find funnier lines instead.”
“Critics debated whether the novel's casual vulgarity exposed the coarseness of its world or simply relied on shock to mask thin characterization.”
Examples
simple
“He dislikes the vulgarity of late-night comedy shows.”
contextual
“The teacher asked the students to avoid vulgarity in their sketches and find funnier lines instead.”
complex
“Critics debated whether the novel's casual vulgarity exposed the coarseness of its world or simply relied on shock to mask thin characterization.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vulgarity” in context.
Verb
01. condemn vulgarity
“The committee publicly condemned vulgarity in political campaign ads.”
verb + noun
02. descend into vulgarity
“The debate quickly descended into vulgarity and personal insults.”
verb + prep + noun
03. resort to vulgarity
“When arguments fail, he tends to resort to vulgarity.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. blatant vulgarity
“The blatant vulgarity of the lyrics made it unsuitable for radio.”
adj + noun
05. casual vulgarity
“He was offended by the casual vulgarity of their dinner conversation.”
adj + noun
06. crude vulgarity
“Critics attacked the film for its crude vulgarity and lack of wit.”
adj + noun
07. gratuitous vulgarity
“The play was criticised for its gratuitous vulgarity rather than clever satire.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. display of vulgarity
“His outburst was dismissed as a tasteless display of vulgarity.”
noun + prep + noun
09. level of vulgarity
“Parents complained about the level of vulgarity on the show.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a display of vulgarity
“The gesture was condemned as a display of vulgarity.”
11. descend into sheer vulgarity
“The live discussion descended into sheer vulgarity within minutes.”
12. resort to crude vulgarity
“Instead of making a point, he resorted to crude vulgarity.”
Real-World Examples
“The fans in Section 204, situated directly behind where the right fielder stands, opted for straightforward vulgarity rather than creativity.” “The Times doesn’t shy away from reporting vulgarities uttered by powerful public figures and wielded in a public setting.” “The Times has worked to avoid unnecessary vulgarity, which has sometimes led to complex editorial decisions.” Etymology
From vulgar + -ity, from Latin vulgaritas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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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