lack of decorum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of decorum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone behaves inappropriately or fails to show proper etiquette. Example: "The speaker's lack of decorum during the formal event was surprising and drew criticism from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In her mind, their perceived lack of decorum and restraint signalled the end of days.

Independent

Even the lack of decorum with which the horrors are treated now looks psychologically astute.

The Guardian

Republicans need to stop decrying the lack of decorum and listen to voters, rather than lecturing them.

The Washington Post

It's the lack of decorum, rational thought and objectivity…and the uneasy sense that maybe my profession is somehow redundant.

Independent

Jackson shook his head at the lack of decorum, saying, "He wasn't thinking very clearly right there".

The New York Times - Sports

The story got back to top executives at NBC News, who considered it an example of lack of decorum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If anything will count against him, it is what some see as a lack of judicial decorum.

The Economist

Try to encourage them to bring out their torches and pitchforks and protest against a British lack of holiday decorum and you'll find most have wandered off to the pub, or set themselves up topless on the nearest Spanish beach while cheerfully admonishing others to live and let live.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last month, Trump visited Britain, May kowtowed and the discussion was about the US President's lack of diplomatic decorum.

Vice

The scumbag Guillen, known for his explosive nature and lack of baseball decorum, again showed with his stupid comments he lacks of any true class that exemplified the average baseball player generations ago -- or Moyer now.

Huffington Post

The exhibitions, located at the New Museum in New York and UCLA's Wright Gallery (now the Hammer) in Los Angeles, showcased young and emerging feminist artists who reveled in their good humor, bad taste and general lack of "ladylike decorum".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone has violated accepted social norms, use "lack of decorum" to underscore that their behavior was inappropriate in a formal context.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of decorum" when you simply mean something is informal. Decorum specifically refers to behavior that violates established social norms, not just a casual setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of decorum" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and describe the absence of proper behavior or etiquette in a given situation. Ludwig AI shows the examples where the expression is associated to an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of decorum" is a noun phrase used to describe the absence of proper behavior, typically in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalence in News & Media sources. While grammatically correct, it's important to distinguish "lack of decorum" from mere informality. Alternatives like "absence of propriety" or "inappropriate behavior" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding its communicative purpose—to express disapproval—and potential usage errors ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indecorous behavior

Directly uses the adjective form of decorum, making the phrase slightly more formal.

absence of propriety

Replaces "lack" with "absence" and "decorum" with "propriety", resulting in a more formal tone.

want of etiquette

Uses "want" to mean lack and replaces "decorum" with "etiquette", slightly shifting the focus to formal social rules.

failure to maintain decorum

Emphasizes the action of not keeping up standards of behavior.

breach of etiquette

Focuses on a specific violation of social norms.

inappropriate behavior

A broader term that encompasses any action considered unsuitable.

unseemly conduct

Highlights the offensiveness or inappropriateness of the behavior.

improper conduct

Similar to "inappropriate behavior" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on moral or ethical failings.

a lapse in formality

Indicates a temporary departure from expected formal behavior.

rudeness

A simpler, more direct term for impolite or disrespectful behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of decorum" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of decorum" to describe situations where someone's behavior is considered inappropriate or violates social norms. For example: "His "lack of decorum" at the wedding offended many guests."

What are some alternatives to "lack of decorum"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "absence of propriety", "inappropriate behavior", or "failure to maintain decorum".

Is it ever appropriate to show a "lack of decorum"?

While generally discouraged in formal settings, a deliberate "lack of decorum" might be used intentionally for satirical or protest purposes to challenge established norms.

What's the difference between "lack of decorum" and "lack of etiquette"?

"Lack of decorum" generally refers to a broader range of inappropriate behaviors, while "lack of etiquette" specifically implies a violation of formal social rules and customs. "Want of etiquette" is a valid alternative.