vulgarity

[vuhl-gar-i-tee]

noun

plural

vulgarities 

1. the state or quality of being vulgar.

   the vulgarity of his remark.

   Synonyms: tastelessness, indelicacy, grossness, crudeness

2. something vulgar, as an act or expression.

vulgarity

/ vʌlˈɡærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being vulgar; lack of good manners

2. a vulgar action, phrase, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonvulgarity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vulgarity¹

First recorded in 1570–80, vulgarity is from the Late Latin word vulgāritās commonness, the public. See vulgar, -ity

Example Sentences

It is an astonishing, so to speak, over-the-top score, which you either love or abhor for its instrumental vulgarity.

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Using his rugged vocal delivery, Montana peppers his lyrics with amusing vulgarities.

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The juxtaposition of popular art’s messy vulgarity with the pristine aspirations of high art is surprisingly uninvolving.

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Especially with the crassness and vulgarity routinely emanating from the nation’s ill-mannered chief executive?

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"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.

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Related Words

• obscenity 
• profanity