What does indecorous mean?
Indecorous describes behavior, appearance, or conduct that falls short of good taste, propriety, or the conventions of a particular occasion. It is stronger and more formal than saying that something is simply rude, and the word often implies that something is unfit for a dignified, respectable, or solemn setting. “Indecorous behavior” may refer to disruptive conduct, while “indecorous attire” means clothing considered inappropriate for the occasion. The term can apply to anything judged socially embarrassing or vulgar, but it does not necessarily carry a specifically sexual or moral meaning; “indecent,” by contrast, more often implies an explicit violation of moral or sexual standards. Indecorous is also frequently used in literary and historical descriptions of public manners, theatrical performances, and formal gatherings. Its Latin-derived formation conveys the idea of something being “unbecoming” or not suited to the dignity expected in a particular context.
adjectiveNot in accordance with propriety, good taste, or social convention. It often describes behavior, clothing, or conduct that is considered vulgar, embarrassing, or inappropriate.
- Not proper, tasteful, or suitable to the circumstances; socially inappropriate.
"His loud and indecorous conduct embarrassed everyone at the formal reception."
"The photographer was asked to leave after making an indecorous remark to the performer."
"She replaced the indecorous formal jacket with a simple woollen coat."
The word enters the language from Latin indecorosus, literally “unbecoming”: something fitted not to the dignity of the occasion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indecorous come from?
Indecorous comes from the Latin adjective indecorosus, meaning “unbecoming,” “improper,” or “indecent.” It was formed with the negative prefix in- from decorosus, “becoming” or “proper,” which is related to decorus, “fit,” “suitable,” and to decorum, “propriety.” The English word has long conveyed the notion of conduct or appearance that conflicts with accepted standards of taste and social behavior.
Related word forms
How indecorous is actually used
The word is formal and comparatively literary. It is often used to characterize conduct, behavior, dress, or circumstances judged to violate propriety, and it can sound more emphatic than merely “improper.”
Easily confused with indecorous
Indecorous means contrary to good taste or social propriety, whereas indecent more specifically suggests offensiveness to sexual or moral standards.
Decorous means proper and dignified, while its opposite, indecorous, describes conduct or appearance that violates such standards.