noun
respectability
rih-spehk-tuh-BIH-lih-tee
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
Word Forms
respectabilities plural
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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.