Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

decadent

adjective

/ˈdɛkəˌdɛnt/

Definition

Characterized by a decline in morals or standards; often associated with excessive indulgence and luxury.

Examples

The decadent lifestyle of the wealthy elite often leads to a disconnect from the struggles of the average person.
Many artists of the 19th century embraced a decadent aesthetic, focusing on beauty and sensuality.
After years of decadence, the civilization faced a moral reckoning that prompted change.

Meaning

The term decadent refers to a state of decline or deterioration, typically in a cultural or moral sense. It implies enjoying pleasures without regard to the consequences.