indecent

/ɪnˈdisnt/

/ɪnˈdisɪnt/

Other forms: indecenter

Things that are indecent are obscene, indelicate, or offensive in some way. If you run around the mall naked, you’ll get in trouble for indecent exposure!

Indecent describes things that are not decent — the prefix -in often means “not,” like how independent means “not dependent.” Decent things are morally sound, so indecent things are offensive. Swearing is considered indecent. Indecent often means rude. A joke might go over well with your friends but is considered indecent when told to a teacher. Not everyone will agree on what’s indecent, but we all agree that you should keep your clothes on at the mall.

Definitions of indecent

1. adjective

   not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
   “was buried with indecent haste”

   synonyms: indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly, untoward

   improper

   not suitable or right or appropriate
2. adjective

   offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters
   “an earthy but not indecent story”

   “an indecent gesture”

   synonyms:

   dirty

   (of behavior or especially language) characterized by obscenity or indecency

   crude, earthy, gross, vulgar

   conspicuously and tastelessly indecent

   Hollywood

   flashy and vulgar

   indelicate

   verging on the indecent

   obscene

   designed to incite to indecency or lust

   suggestive

   tending to suggest something improper or indecent

   indecorous, indelicate

   lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

   improper

   not suitable or right or appropriate

   antonyms:

   decent

   conforming to conventions of sexual behavior

   clean, unobjectionable

   (of behavior or especially language) free from objectionable elements; fit for all observers

   decorous

   characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

   proper

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
3. adjective

   offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance
   “a bathing suit considered indecent by local standards”

   synonyms:

   immodest

   offending against standards of propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance