licentiousness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “licentiousness” mean?
the behaviour of someone who disregards accepted rules or standards, especially in sexual matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the behaviour of someone who disregards accepted rules or standards, especially in sexual matters; lawlessness, moral recklessness.
Can also describe a general disregard for authority, convention, or the law, especially when driven by a lack of moral restraint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative in both. Associated with literary criticism, historical accounts, or moral/religious condemnation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language. Primarily found in formal writing, religious texts, or historical narratives.
Grammar
How to Use “licentiousness” in a Sentence
the licentiousness of [NOUN PHRASE]licentiousness [PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE e.g., in the court]descend into licentiousnessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “licentiousness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form. The related verb is 'to license', but with a different meaning.]
American English
- [No verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [The adverb 'licentiously' is grammatically possible but exceedingly rare.]
- He lived **licentiously**, without regard for convention.
American English
- [The adverb 'licentiously' is grammatically possible but exceedingly rare.]
- They behaved **licentiously** during the festival.
adjective
British English
- The biography exposed the king's **licentious** behaviour at court.
- He was known for his **licentious** and scandalous lifestyle.
American English
- The novel was condemned for its **licentious** content.
- The **licentious** atmosphere of the boom years soon faded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically to criticise a complete lack of ethical controls: 'The financial licentiousness of the former CEO led to the scandal.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical analysis, religious studies, and ethics to describe moral decay in societies or characters.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would sound overly formal or archaic.
Technical
Not a technical term in any major field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “licentiousness”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “licentiousness”
- Mispronouncing as /lɪˈsen.ʃəs.nəs/. The first syllable has the /aɪ/ sound as in 'lie'.
- Confusing with 'licence' (permit) in meaning.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it strongly connotes sexual immorality, it can refer to a broader disregard for any moral, legal, or social restraint. However, the sexual connotation is primary.
'Promiscuity' refers specifically to having many casual sexual partners. 'Licentiousness' is broader, more judgemental, and implies a complete lack of moral principle governing one's actions, not just sexual ones.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning is morally condemnatory. In very specific contexts (e.g., celebrating artistic or personal freedom from Victorian constraints), it might be used with a degree of irony or historical perspective, but it remains a negatively charged word.
No. It is a high-level (C2), formal, and literary word. Using it in everyday conversation would sound unnatural or pretentious. Understand it for reading, but use simpler synonyms like 'immorality' or 'recklessness' in most active contexts.
the behaviour of someone who disregards accepted rules or standards, especially in sexual matters.
Licentiousness is usually formal, literary in register.
Licentiousness: in British English it is pronounced /laɪˈsen.ʃəs.nəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /laɪˈsen.ʃəs.nəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms; the word itself is used figuratively]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LICENSE' + '-iousness'. Someone acting as if they have a **license** to break all the rules, especially moral ones.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS A LACK OF RESTRAINT/BOUNDARIES; MORAL BEHAVIOUR IS STAYING WITHIN LIMITS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'licentiousness' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?