dec·a·dence \ˈdekədən(t)s, -kədən- also də̇ˈkādən- or dēˈkā-\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin decadentia, from Late Latin decadent-, decadens (present participle of decadere to fall, sink) + Latin -ia -y — more at decay 1.: the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent : deterioration < escape the decadence that attends upon old age — G.L.Dickinson > 2.: the literary movement of the decadents or its animating spirit