decency

noun

de·​cen·​cy ˈdē-sᵊn-sē 

plural decencies

1

a

: the quality or state of being decent : propriety

b

: conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality

2

: standard of propriety

—usually used in plural

3

decencies plural : conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living

4

: literary decorum

5

archaic

a

: fitness

b

: orderliness

Synonyms

• decorum
• form
• propriety

Examples of decency in a Sentence

Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do the right thing.

Sending aid to the victims was simply a matter of common decency.

If you're going to be late, please have the decency to call and let me know.

Have you no sense of decency?

He had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies.

Recent Examples on the Web

His mix of bone-dry humour and innate decency are the perfect foil for the film's welling emotions. —The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Nov. 2024

The Palestinians want it for the future state to which history, world opinion and simple decency entitle them. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024

In short, when faced with a genuine choice between civility and decency versus vulgarity and indecency, most Americans who voted in the 2024 elections opted for the latter. —Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2024

Trump ran in vocal and staunch opposition to trans rights, with right-wing groups reportedly spending tens of millions on advertisements branding the trans community as a threat to public safety and decency. —Nico Lang, Them, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 5a

Kids Definition

decency

noun

de·​cen·​cy ˈdēs-ᵊn-sē 

plural decencies

1

a

: the quality or state of being decent : propriety

b

: agreement with standards of taste, quality, or proper behavior

decency, not fear of punishment, made them behave

2

: a standard of proper behavior

—usually used in plural

had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies