# upstanding

/ˈəpˌstændɪŋ/ (US) · /ʌpstˈændɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upstanding
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.