Word
respectability
Phoneticsre·spectabil·i·ty
US/ɹiˌspɛktəˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɹɪspˌɛktəbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being seen as honest, moral, and socially acceptable. It is about having a good reputation that fits the standards of your community.
n. the quality of being regarded as honest, moral, and socially acceptable. Often associated with the maintenance of a public image that conforms to traditional or middle-class values.
Examples
“He worked hard to maintain his respectability in the eyes of his neighbors.”
“The politician's scandal threatened his respectability, leading to a sharp decline in public support and donations.”
“In the Victorian era, respectability was a primary concern for the middle class, as it served as a buffer against the perceived moral decay of the lower classes and the radicalism of the working poor.”
Examples
simple
“He worked hard to maintain his respectability in the eyes of his neighbors.”
contextual
“The politician's scandal threatened his respectability, leading to a sharp decline in public support and donations.”
complex
“In the Victorian era, respectability was a primary concern for the middle class, as it served as a buffer against the perceived moral decay of the lower classes and the radicalism of the working poor.”
Real-World Examples
“I wish it could.”
Catherine Kierans, from Northern Ireland’s prosecution service said the case showed sexual abuse “can be hidden behind a facade of respectability”.” “Nonetheless, here lies Andersen, actively proving that even great authors were one lawn tantrum away from tearing at this veneer of respectability.” “Gone were the stoic discipline, austerity and respectability in dress and manners that characterised Gandhi and King’s protests.” Etymology
From respect + -ability.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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