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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 notes

In plain EnglishHaving a good, socially acceptable reputation — being seen as decent and proper.

Common pairings
a veneer of respectability social respectability gain respectability

Word forms

respectabilities plural

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Fill the gap

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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.

Related words

Rhymes for respectability

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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.

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