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

The scarred half of his face comes to represent his compassion, sorrow and decency, while the handsome half now represents his rage and sense of entitlement. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 June 2024

Has everyone lost their sense of decency and reason? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2024

That brief period of decency and patriotism has evaporated as Haley pledges to vote for him. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 24 May 2024

At the time of filming, the city of Murfreesboro was attempting to ban Pride celebrations and drag performances on public property through a community decency ordinance. —Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 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