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

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to make a distinction between a person’s politics and their basic human decency. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025

That sense of love leaves her willing to do anything within the realm of reason and human decency for her partner — but naturally, that’s not good enough for the kind of guy who seriously considers investing in an android lover. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2025

But for all his basic decency, history may come to remember him for another trait: hubris. —Douglas Brinkley, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2025

Days of formal ceremonies and remembrances from political leaders, business titans and rank-and-file citizens have honored Carter for decency and using a prodigious work ethic to do more than obtain political power. —Bill Barrow, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2025

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