noun
-
the state or quality of being indecent
-
an indecent act, etc
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of indecency
From the Latin word indecentia, dating back to 1580–90. See indecent, -ency
Explanation
Indecency is the habit or action of being offensive or improper. Indecency is banned on television during times that children might be watching. If you tell dirty jokes or deeply offend a friend, you could be accused of indecency. Swearing on a radio broadcast or showing an extremely violent scene in a movie meant for kids are both examples of indecency that are punishable by law. Indecency comes from the Latin word indecentem, "not decent" or "in bad taste," from the roots in-, "not," and decentem, "fitting or proper."
Vocabulary lists containing indecency
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
It is Douglas who is eventually prosecuted for indecency, goes to prison and dies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Playing some of these songs in public is rude and perhaps illegal indecency.
From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026
The PTC’s power came, in large part, from its ability to flood the FCC with indecency complaints.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2025
In the 1960s, homosexuality was partially decriminalised, but related criminal offences were still illegal, including gross indecency.
From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2024
But in the case of calumny or indecency: 1.
From Winterslow Essays and Characters Written There by William Hazlitt
“Even those who think themselves inured to the indecencies of modern fiction will find much of ‘The Tin Drum’ excessively nasty.
From New York Times ● Apr. 13, 2015
It is the sad fate of all open-air statues to have to submit to certain indecencies.
From Time Magazine Archive
The Journal announced itself horrified by the "cigaret-soaked indecencies" of the naughty '90s, and peddled the theory that tight-laced corsets were responsible for gallstones.
From Time Magazine Archive
Nevertheless, it is with no good-will I dwell on the matter; in writing, as in life, there are decencies and indecencies; things to be told and others to be implied.
From Shrewsbury A Romance by Stanley J. Weyman
All their genius, learning, and interest, will not be able to save them from the withering effect of their accumulated horrors, shocking indecencies, and demoralizing tendency.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 58, No. 359, September 1845 by Various
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