respectability

[ ri-spek-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural re·spect·a·bil·i·ties

1. the state or quality of being respectable.
2. respectable social standing, character, or reputation.
3. a respectable person or persons.
4. respectabilities, things accepted as respectable.

Other Words From

• nonre·specta·bili·ty noun plural nonrespectabilities
• prere·specta·bili·ty noun
• semi·re·specta·bili·ty noun
• super·re·specta·bili·ty noun
• unre·specta·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectability¹

First recorded in 1775–85; respectable + -ity

Example Sentences

The fellow-traveler organizations surround the totalitarian movements with a mist of normality and respectability that fools the membership about the true character of the outside world as much as it does the outside world about the true character of the movement.

From Salon

It is also about appearance, politeness, and respectability.

From Slate

In modern capitalist societies, an occupation associated with high income and the symbols that money can buy, like a suburban single-family home or an annual summer vacation, creates an aura of respectability and even virtue.

From Salon

In modern capitalist societies, an occupation associated with high income and the symbols that money can buy, like a suburban single-family home or an annual summer vacation, creates an aura of respectability and even virtue.

From Salon

It seemed that the fall of Bankman-Fried signaled the death of one of the biggest political spending machines in American history—a nail in the coffin for the respectability of the crypto lobby.

From Slate

Related Words

• decency
• honesty
• propriety