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

Who truly believes in human dignity and decency these days? —Susan Miller, USA Today, 6 June 2025

This is not only a devastating loss for their families, but also for the Jewish people, and for all who care about human decency and justice. —Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025

This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025

The Idol was almost a noble failure, a psychically damaging look into the pop ecosystem that had the decency to fictionalize rather than mythologize its star. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 5a

Rhymes for decency

• recency
• indecency

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