What does indecorum mean?
Indeccorum is a formal noun meaning a lack of propriety in behaviour, speech, appearance, or writing. It can refer either to the general quality of being improper or to a particular remark, act, or incident judged indecent or unseemly. Its use often suggests a violation of the conventions of a social, professional, ceremonial, or public setting, rather than an outright crime. In literary and legal contexts, it may describe conduct that is disgraceful, discourteous, or offensive. The word is less common in everyday speech, where impropriety or indecency are often more natural. Its close connection with decorum makes it especially useful when discussing the contrast between dignified conduct and conduct that undermines standards of taste, order, or respect.
nounLack of propriety in behaviour, speech, or writing; an improper, indecent, or unseemly act. The word is formal and often refers to conduct considered inappropriate for a particular setting.
- Lack of propriety in behaviour, speech, or writing.
- An act, remark, or display of conduct considered improper, indecent, or unseemly.
"The chairman condemned the indecorum of the remarks as both inflammatory and insulting."
"The public reading of the offensive document was widely condemned as an indecorum."
"Her sharp criticism of the painting led to allegations of personal indecorum."
Rare in modern English; the plural is used chiefly in formal or literary contexts.
"The text lists several indecora that offend against the dignity of the court."
Indeccorum comes from the same Latin root as decorum, but turns elegance and propriety upside down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indecorum come from?
The word comes from Latin indecorum, a neuter noun meaning “an indecent or improper thing,” formed from the prefix inde- and decorum. The underlying Latin root decus refers to ornament, dignity, or propriety, and the same root underlies English words such as decorous, decorously, and decoration. English borrowed indecorum in the early 17th century, initially in contexts concerned with conduct, taste, and social propriety.
Related word forms
How indecorum is actually used
A formal and relatively uncommon word, used especially in literary, legal, historical, or institutional contexts. It tends to describe a breach of social or professional decor rather than serious moral wrongdoing.
Easily confused with indecorum
Indecorum focuses on behaviour or conduct that violates social propriety, whereas indecent more often describes something morally improper, shocking, or offensive to public standards.
Decorum means proper or dignified conduct, while indecorum is its opposite and refers to a lack of such propriety.