Indecency: meaning, definitions and examples

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indecency

 

[ ɪnˈdiːs(ə)nsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lack of moral or sexual decency

Indecency refers to behavior that is considered inappropriate, offensive, or immoral, especially in terms of moral or sexual standards. It involves actions or words that go against commonly accepted norms of decency.

Synonyms

immorality, impropriety, indecorousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indecency

Use this word to describe actions or behavior that are offensive or unacceptable according to societal standards, often related to sexuality or public behavior.

  • The comedian's jokes were criticized for their indecency.
  • He was fined for public indecency.
impropriety

This term is useful for discussing behavior that is not fitting or appropriate, particularly in formal or official contexts.

  • The boss was dismissed due to accusations of financial impropriety.
  • His comments at the meeting were seen as a social impropriety.
indecorousness

This word describes behavior that lacks good taste or proper manners, often in formal settings. It is a more refined or less harsh term.

  • Her indecorousness at the dinner party upset many guests.
  • The manager reprimanded staff for any indecorousness during the event.
immorality

This word is appropriate for discussing actions that go against a sense of ethical or moral principles, often related to broader concepts of right and wrong.

  • Many people viewed his betrayal as an act of immorality.
  • The novel explores themes of human immorality.

Examples of usage

  • Exposing oneself in public is considered an act of indecency.
  • Using foul language in front of children is a form of indecency.
  • His indecency towards women led to his dismissal from the company.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of modesty or propriety

Indecency can also refer to a lack of modesty or propriety in one's behavior or appearance. It involves behaving in a way that is considered inappropriate or offensive in terms of social norms.

Synonyms

immodesty, rudeness, shamelessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indecency

Repeated word found in the list; definition provided above.

immodesty

Used when describing behavior or appearance that shows a lack of humility or excessive pride, often related to dressing or behaving in a way that draws undue attention.

  • Her immodesty was evident in the way she flaunted her wealth.
  • Some cultures view immodesty in dress as highly inappropriate.
shamelessness

Used to refer to behavior that shows no shame or embarrassment, often in a bold or disrespectful way.

  • Her shamelessness in lying was astonishing.
  • The politician showed shamelessness by ignoring the allegations against him.
rudeness

Used to describe behavior that is impolite or lacks respect for others.

  • Rudeness is not tolerated in this workplace.
  • His rudeness at the dinner table embarrassed everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The actress's revealing outfit was criticized for its indecency.
  • His indecency in public places made others uncomfortable.

Translations

Translations of the word "indecency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indecência

🇮🇳 अश्लीलता

🇩🇪 Unanständigkeit

🇮🇩 ketidaksopanan

🇺🇦 непристойність

🇵🇱 nieprzyzwoitość

🇯🇵 不適切

🇫🇷 indécence

🇪🇸 indecencia

🇹🇷 edepsizlik

🇰🇷 부적절함

🇸🇦 فحش

🇨🇿 neslušnost

🇸🇰 neslušnosť

🇨🇳 不雅

🇸🇮 nespodobnost

🇮🇸 ósæmileiki

🇰🇿 әдепсіздік

🇬🇪 უწესოობა

🇦🇿 ədəbsizlik

🇲🇽 indecencia

Etymology

The word 'indecency' originated from the Latin word 'indecentia', which means lack of decency. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to behavior that is considered inappropriate or offensive. Over time, the word has come to encompass a range of behaviors and actions that are deemed to be morally or socially unacceptable.

See also: decency, decent, decently, indecent, indecently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,772, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.