respectability

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

noun

plural

respectabilities 

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 Word Forms

• nonrespectability noun
• prerespectability noun
• semirespectability noun
• superrespectability noun
• unrespectability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectability¹

First recorded in 1775–85; respectable + -ity

Example Sentences

The group said Rwanda’s Arsenal sponsorship constitutes sportswashing, “an effort to gain an appearance of respectability that they don’t deserve.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

America's final-day comeback brought unexpected respectability to the final score, but also exposed how far the US lag behind Europe in their Ryder Cup efforts.

Read more on BBC

They wanted to shield the respectability of their networks, which made them more resolute when confronted with political attacks.

Read more on Salon

“The only enemy I have is peace,” she’ll say, managing to maintain an air of well-connected respectability while doing the dirty work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It uses lies to maintain respectability, but it allows some people to find the truth," he says.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• decency 
• honesty 
• propriety