INDECORUM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does indecorum mean? 

• INDECORUM (noun)
  The noun INDECORUM has 2 senses:

1. a lack of decorum

2. an act of undue intimacy

  Familiarity information: INDECORUM used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INDECORUM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A lack of decorum

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

indecorousness; indecorum

Hypernyms ("indecorum" is a kind of...):

improperness; impropriety (an improper demeanor)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "indecorum"):

unseemliness (a lack of consideration for others)

unbecomingness (the quality of being unbecoming)

Antonym:

decorum (propriety in manners and conduct)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An act of undue intimacy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

familiarity; impropriety; indecorum; liberty

Hypernyms ("indecorum" is a kind of...):

misbehavior; misbehaviour; misdeed (improper or wicked or immoral behavior)

 Context examples 

There would be the greatest indecorum, I think.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Catherine, relieved for herself, felt uneasy for Isabella, and after a moment's thought, asked Mr. Allen whether it would not be both proper and kind in her to write to Miss Thorpe, and explain the indecorum of which she must be as insensible as herself; for she considered that Isabella might otherwise perhaps be going to Clifton the next day, in spite of what had passed.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

How grievous then was the thought that, of a situation so desirable in every respect, so replete with advantage, so promising for happiness, Jane had been deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family!

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)