noun
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the state or quality of being indecent
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an indecent act, etc
Other Word 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.
Playing some of these songs in public is rude and perhaps illegal indecency.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
But the Parents Television Council Inc. — whose members lodged thousands of indecency complaints with the Federal Communications Commission — has folded.
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
Nor did he accept the fact that Spectrum’s planned “PG-13” performance falls far short of indecency.
From Slate • Sep. 22, 2023
Rather, they should have hidden their eyes from the abomination; they should have resented the request to play accomplice to that indecency.
From What Will People Say? A novel by Hughes, Rupert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
