Synonyms

respectability

American

[ri-spek-tuh-bil-i-tee] / rɪˌspɛk təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

respectabilities

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

Other Word Forms

nonrespectability noun
prerespectability noun
semirespectability noun
superrespectability noun
unrespectability noun

Etymology

Origin of respectability

First recorded in 1775–85; respectable + -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

U.S. backing gave them respectability and visibility, helping some to overcome their pariah status.

From The Wall Street Journal

She dubs the all-women’s institution a “kiln of respectability” and doesn’t mind the strict curfews and dress code because she revels in being part of the powerful “Spelman sisterhood.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Willis published an essay, “Post-Mortuum Soiree,” in the next issue of his Home Journal, “the ‘demonstration,’ … is of sufficient extent and respectability to warrant grave attention.

From Literature

There was something else that academics offered Epstein beyond a veneer of respectability: access.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dig beneath that and - barring a trip to Fantasyland in which Spurs win the Champions League - the rest of this season is now a quest for respectability, and for Frank, survival.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023