# vulgarity

/vəɫˈɡɛɹɪti/ (US) · /vʌlɡˈæɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vulgarity
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

obscenity, indecency, rudeness, profanity, crudeness, coarseness

## Antonyms

decency, refinement, politeness

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.