To be decadent is to be in the process of decay, so a powerful nation may be said to be in a decadent stage if its power is fading. But the word is more often used to speak of moral decay.

Fascinated by the materiality of language, the decadent text frequently cultivates its own shiny, polished surfaces and neglects the plot.

If you say that a person or society is decadent, you think that they have low moral standards and are interested mainly in pleasure.

decadent (ˈdɛkədənt) adj 1. characterized by decay or decline, as in being self-indulgent or morally corrupt

Definition of decadent adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. having or showing low standards, especially moral ones, and an interest only in pleasure and fun rather than serious things. …

DECADENT definition: characterized by decadence, especially culturally or morally. See examples of decadent used in a sentence.

characterized by decadence, esp. culturally or morally: a decadent life of excessive money and no sense of responsibility. (often cap.) of or like the decadents.

decadent, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Dec 14, 2025 · decadent (comparative more decadent, superlative most decadent) Characterized by moral or cultural decline. synonyms quotations Synonyms: corrupted, degenerate; see also …

decadent meaning, definition, what is decadent: having low moral standards and being mor...: Learn more.