decadence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
    degeneration; decadency; degeneracy.

WordNet

De*ca"dence, De*ca"den*cy noun (Also<
  • Decadence
  • Decadency
)
Etymology
LL. decadentia; L. de- + cadere to fall: cf. F. décadence. See Decay.
Definitions
  1. A falling away; decay; deterioration; declension. "The old castle, where the family lived in their decadence.' Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913