indecency

/ɪnˈdiːsnsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈdiːsnsi/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē/ (ame, mw)

indecency — noun

1. the state of being shocking or rude, especially in a sexual way, going against w

1.名詞C1
釋義

the state of being shocking or rude, especially in a sexual way, going against what most people in a society accept as proper public behaviour

例句

Hana was shocked by the indecency of the comments left on her travel blog.

the indecency of + noun phrase

The mayor spoke out against the indecency of using stolen photos in the campaign ads.

the indecency of + gerund clause

同義詞
  • obscenity

    stronger, usually focused on sexual content

  • impropriety

    milder; about breaking social rules rather than being shocking

  • vulgarity

    covers crude taste in general, not only sexual matters

反義詞
  • decency

    the direct opposite — proper, respectful behaviour

  • propriety

    behaviour that fits accepted social standards

文法句型

the indecency of + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Frequently used in the abstract pattern 'the indecency of X' to label a behaviour or situation as morally or sexually unacceptable. Distinguish from sense 2, which names a specific act rather than the quality.

常見錯誤

❌He showed many indecencies on the show.
✅There was a lot of indecency on the show.
💡sense 1 is uncountable; use sense 2 only for naming separate acts.

2. a single shocking or rude action, word, or image — especially one that breaks ru

2.名詞C1
釋義

a single shocking or rude action, word, or image — especially one that breaks rules about sexual or public behaviour

例句

Noa was upset by the small indecencies she heard from passengers on the late train.

countable plural: small indecencies

The court fined Mateo for an indecency committed in the public swimming pool.

an indecency + committed in + place

同義詞
  • outrage

    stronger; an act that causes shock and anger across a community

  • obscenity

    specifically a sexual or crude act, word, or image

  • impropriety

    milder act that breaks social manners but is not deeply shocking

反義詞
  • courtesy

    an act showing respect for others

文法句型

commit + an indecency

an indecency + against + person

用法筆記

Countable in this sense — you can speak of 'an indecency' or 'several indecencies'. Distinguish from sense 1, which names the quality rather than a single act.

常見錯誤

❌She felt much indecency from his words.
✅She felt insulted by the indecency of his words.
💡for the feeling or quality use sense 1; sense 2 names the act itself.