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

My values are integrity, decency, honesty and caring. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024

But my grandmother’s value of treating others with decency remains constant. —Bruce Weinstein, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

But, whatever the circumstances, her positions on the critical issues are rational, undergirded by a basic sense of decency, and often compelling. —The Editors, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2024

Firmness about public order and decency in expression and behavior: These are not mutually contradictory things. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 18 Sep. 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