depravity

[ dih-prav-i-tee ]

noun

, plural de·prav·i·ties.

1. the state of being depraved. depraved.
2. a depraved depraved act or practice.

depravity

/ dɪˈprævɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or an instance of moral corruption

Other Words From

• nonde·pravi·ty noun plural nondepravities

Word History and Origins

Origin of depravity¹

First recorded in 1635–45; deprave + -ity

Example Sentences

It's pure depravity, just the way Cohn taught him.

From Salon

In a display of complete depravity, he lied about immigrants taking over communities and eating family pets.

From Salon

As time went on, it became clear that McCartney's depravity spanned not just across the UK, but across the world.

From BBC

Nelson had recognised the depravity of his actions and had apologised for them in a letter to the judge, the court heard.

From BBC

Throughout the hearing, the court heard of the depravity of McCartney’s actions, children pleading for their torment to stop as he demanded they commit acts of humiliation, abuse and danger.

From BBC

Related Words

• criminality
• degradation
• wickedness