noun
respectability
rih-spehk-tuh-BIH-lih-tee
Respectability (noun) means the quality of being seen as proper, decent, or worthy of respect in the eyes of society. Example: “He worked hard to build a career with some respectability after his youthful mistakes.”
noun
1
The quality of being seen as proper, decent, or worthy of respect in the eyes of society.
"He worked hard to build a career with some respectability after his youthful mistakes."
"The old family name still carried a certain respectability in the town."
How to use respectability
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving a good, socially acceptable reputation — being seen as decent and proper.
Common pairings
a veneer of respectability
social respectability
gain respectability
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Word forms
- Plural
- respectabilities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He worked hard to build a career with some _____ after his youthful mistakes.
Etymology
Built from respect plus the suffix -ability, following the pattern of turning an adjective (respectable) into an abstract noun.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unrespectability
Related words
Rhymes for respectability
See all rhymes for respectability →Frequently asked questions
What does “respectability” mean?
The word “respectability” means the quality of being seen as proper, decent, or worthy of respect in the eyes of society. In plain terms, having a good, socially acceptable reputation — being seen as decent and proper.
How do you pronounce “respectability”?
“Respectability” is pronounced rih-spehk-tuh-BIH-lih-tee (/ɹɪˌspɛktəˈbɪlɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “respectability” in a sentence?
Here is “respectability” used in a sentence: “He worked hard to build a career with some respectability after his youthful mistakes.”
What part of speech is “respectability”?
“Respectability” is a noun.
