indecency

[ in-dee-suhn-see ]

noun

, plural in·de·cen·cies

1. the quality or condition of being indecent.
2. impropriety or immodesty.
3. obscenity or indelicacy.
4. an indecent act, remark, etc.

indecency

/ ɪnˈdiːsənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being indecent
2. an indecent act, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of indecency¹

From the Latin word indecentia, dating back to 1580–90. See indecent, -ency

Example Sentences

According to the law, any man in public or private who commits an act of gross indecency with another male shall be punished with to years in prison.

From Washington Blade

Here, indecency reigns, with residents of these rival neighborhoods tripping over one another to broadcast their racism.

From The Daily Beast

Indecency in broadcasting became a major concern, and CBS was fined over half a million dollars.

From The Daily Beast

Our shock is not from indecency, but from the absence of self-possession, the ultimate bourgeois possession.

From The Daily Beast

Describing this as a “performance” borders on indecency, of course.

From The Daily Beast

Watch video of her underage drinking, public indecency, and extortion that warranted time in the slammer.

From The Daily Beast

I am of opinion too, that the Indecency of the next Verse, you spill upon me, would admit of an equal Correction.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, one element of public-house talk—the overt or sly indecency—is left out.

From Project Gutenberg

Acts of indecency had occurred long before they went to the post-primary school.

From Project Gutenberg

There is seldom, if ever, any grossness in these spontaneous songs of the people—never indecency or double meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

These Lyrical Pieces, after all, are only a few smooth songs, where wit is sufficiently overbalanced by indecency.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drunkenness
• impropriety