noun

immodesty

A lack of accepted decency in dress or behavior.

She objects to the immodesty of the dancer's revealing costume.

Etymology

The negative prefix removes modesty. This sense concerns failure to follow accepted standards of bodily or behavioral propriety, rather than excessive self-praise.

More examples

  • Standards of immodesty in dress vary from place to place.
  • His crude gestures draw complaints about immodesty.
  • The reviewer criticizes the film's immodesty, especially its frequent nude scenes.

Forms

immodesty

immodest adjective — Violating accepted standards of dress or behavior.

Similar words

indecency
Suggests a stronger violation of public standards of propriety.
impropriety
Covers socially inappropriate conduct, not just revealing or sexual behavior.