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 of decency

• etiquette
• decorum
• propriety
• morality
• dignity
• prudence
• form
• civility

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

Does that 45% not have daughters or wives, or any human decency? —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026

The Germans ruled here with complete disregard for common decency. —Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

In a healthier political culture, his temperament and lack of decency would be disqualifying issues. —Ray Nothstine, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026

Bad Bunny brought on Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, seamlessly, without stopping to genuflect, the mood moving from sweaty to open-hearted, then finally, with Bad Bunny dancing off the field, singing into the camera, a furious insistence on decency itself. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

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