What does respectability mean?
Respectability is the state or quality of being regarded as respectable, particularly because of one’s moral character, conduct, or social position. In everyday use, it often denotes broadly acceptable or conventional behavior, but it may also refer to a person’s reputation for having those qualities. The word carries a formal, sometimes conservative tone: saying that something has respectability suggests that it meets accepted social standards, while describing someone as concerned with respectability can imply that those standards are narrow or outwardly displayed. Because of this dual use, respectability can be approving or faintly critical. The noun is most often uncountable, though rare plural forms occur when separate examples or kinds of social standing are being discussed. It is useful where a more neutral word such as “decency” or “propriety” might not capture the combined ideas of social acceptance, moral standing, and reputation.
nounThe state or quality of being socially acceptable, worthy of respect, or conforming to conventional moral standards; a reputation for being regarded as respectable.
- The state or quality of being socially acceptable, worthy of respect, or conforming to conventional moral standards.
- A person's or group's reputation for being respectable or socially acceptable.
"The family's long-standing respectability gave the young lawyer more freedom than he had expected."
"Her quiet respectability earned the trust of even her strongest opponents."
"The politician abandoned the outward respectability of his earlier campaign for a more direct appeal."
Respectability is normally an uncountable noun; the plural is rare and is used when distinct types or examples of respectability are being discussed.
"The study distinguishes among different respectabilities within the same social class."
Respectability can be a compliment, a social code, or a gentle criticism—all depending on who is being measured.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does respectability come from?
Respectability was formed in English from respectable and the suffix -ability, meaning the state or quality of being something. Respectable in turn developed from respect, which ultimately comes from Latin respectus, a noun use of the participle of respicere, “to look back at” or “consider,” from specere, “to look at.” The same Latin root underlies words such as spectator and perspective.
How respectability is actually used
The word is formal and may sound approving, but it can also be faintly critical, especially when it refers to conventional or outwardly displayed social standards.
Easily confused with respectability
Responsibility concerns an obligation or duty, whereas respectability concerns social acceptance, moral standing, or reputation.