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

Meanwhile, Americans in communities across the country demonstrate decency, generosity, and basic goodness by helping rebuild people’s homes and lives. —Jeremy Barber, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024

Some rushed to cast the drama in terms of decency—a father, understandably, rescuing his child from a prison term. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

From his refusal to extend that basic human decency to the Palestinian people to the failure to move more quickly to hold Trump accountable for his effort to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 election, his mistakes were not just inexplicable but highly consequential. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Democracy, decency, truth, and the environment have taken a hit. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 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