indecorous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indecorous
From the Latin word indecōrus, dating back to 1670–80. See in- 3, decorous
Explanation
Indecorous behavior isn't proper or socially acceptable. It would be indecorous to publish your sister's diary in the newspaper or to tell your extended family an offensive joke at Thanksgiving dinner. Rude or off-color remarks are indecorous, and wearing a bikini to a formal dinner would also be indecorous. Indecorous things lack decorum, which is good manners or proper behavior. Indecorous, from the Latin decorus, "becoming or seemly," comes from the root word decus, "ornament," and is related to words like "decorate" and "decent."
Vocabulary lists containing indecorous
The Importance of Being Earnest
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It seemed scandalous — and highly indecorous — back in 1992, when President George H.W.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 30, 2025
The reprimand noted Quinn deactivated his Facebook account when he learned of the board’s investigation and admitted his actions were “imprudent, indecorous and contrary to the spirit of the Canons.”
From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2023
LePage, who once described himself as “Trump before there was Trump,” moved to Florida after leaving office in 2019 following two raucous terms that often drew national attention for his indecorous remarks.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 12, 2022
Now Italy’s foreign minister, he wrote an apology in Il Foglio to Mr. Uggetti after his acquittal in May for the “grotesque and indecorous manner” he behaved.
From New York Times ● Jul. 29, 2021
I couldn’t change until the others were already in bed because Ba thought it indecorous for anyone to see me in my nightclothes.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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.
