vulgarity
Americannoun
-
the state or quality of being vulgar.
the vulgarity of his remark.
- Synonyms:
- tastelessness, indelicacy, grossness, crudeness
-
something vulgar, as an act or expression.
noun
-
the condition of being vulgar; lack of good manners
-
a vulgar action, phrase, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vulgarity
First recorded in 1570–80, vulgarity is from the Late Latin word vulgāritās commonness, the public. See vulgar, -ity
Explanation
Vulgarity is the quality of being crude and lacking refinement. Many people consider swearing to be a form of vulgarity. One of the criteria used in assessing a movie's rating is how much vulgarity is involved. Shows on premium cable or streaming services can generally include more vulgarity — crass language or humor, and adult situations — than shows on network television. Vulgarity comes from the Latin word vulgaris, meaning "relating to the common people" or "low and common."
Vocabulary lists containing vulgarity
Journalism
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Mitt Romney's comments about Donald Trump
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A Clockwork Orange
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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.
In Trump’s first term, about 40% of his speeches contained at least one use of vulgarity.
From Salon • May 26, 2026
It’s one of the oldest conceits ever, thinking that vulgarity makes you look tough.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
"Knowing the vulgarity of the old world, today I try to avoid being listened to by the new world – so that I don't come across as detestable," he told the court.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025
“We can survive sleaze and vulgarity in a president,” Diamond wrote.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024
Pomposity is a failure of decorum, as is vulgarity or boastfulness.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
