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.

adjective characterized by decadence, especially culturally or morally. a decadent life of excessive money and no sense of responsibility. Synonyms: self-indulgent, debauched, degenerate, …

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 in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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

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.

Definition of decadent. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

Synonyms for DECADENT: degenerate, effete, weak, decayed, overripe, degraded, soft, weakened; Antonyms of DECADENT: pure, incorruptible, uncorrupted, ethical, uncorrupt, …