English Reference

Word

upstanding

Phoneticsup·stand·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈəpˌstændɪŋ/

UK/ʌpstˈændɪŋ/

Definition

adj. describing someone who is honest, hard-working, and follows the rules. You use this to talk about a person with a good reputation and strong morals.

adj. describing a person of high moral character, integrity, and respectability. Often used to emphasize that someone is not involved in any wrongdoing or scandal.

Examples

“He is a hard-working, upstanding citizen.”

“The committee is looking for an upstanding member of the community to serve as the new chairperson.”

“Despite the scandal surrounding the company, the CEO maintained that he was an upstanding individual who had never intended to deceive the public.”

Examples

simple

“He is a hard-working, upstanding citizen.”

contextual

“The committee is looking for an upstanding member of the community to serve as the new chairperson.”

complex

“Despite the scandal surrounding the company, the CEO maintained that he was an upstanding individual who had never intended to deceive the public.”

Real-World Examples

“In 1641 the quarter was finally established a decent distance from the center of the city where it would not corrupt upstanding citizens.”
The New York Times 8 Apr 2018

Etymology

From up- + standing.

From upstand.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

upstanding(C1)

PHRASAL VERB

This entry

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 C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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