Respectable
adj.capable, thoughtfulformal
Meaning 1
Worthy of regard because of decent character, conduct, or standing.
Reach for it when praising sound character or a legitimately good reputation
She built a respectable practice by explaining every fee before accepting a case.
Choose between these
4- everyday
for straightforward approval of acceptable character
not when It often sounds milder than the established regard carried by respectable.
- professional
when a public track record supports trust
not when A private act can be respectable without being widely known.
- formal
creditable
when conduct or effort deserves praise despite limitations
not when It usually evaluates an act or result, not a person's lasting standing.
- formal
when ethical conduct is the reason for esteem
not when Respectable can rest on quality or social standing without making a lofty moral claim.
Meaning 2
Solid enough in quality to satisfy a reasonable standard.
Reach for it when giving measured praise to a decent or satisfactory result
The first-time runner finished in a respectable forty-two minutes.
Choose between these
4- everyday
when appearance meets a social or practical standard
not when Presentable only clears an outward threshold; respectable reaches conduct or quality.
- warm
when effort or motives specifically deserve approval
not when A respectable result may have value without reflecting praiseworthy intention.
- professional
when a result simply meets the necessary standard
not when It can underplay the earned approval carried by respectable.
- professional
when dependable quality matters more than brilliance
not when Solid suggests reliability, whereas respectable compares favorably with a standard.
Said against
3- dishonorable
- disreputable
- poor
It naturally appears in
3- respectable citizen
The respectable citizen quietly returned the overpayment that afternoon.
- respectable result
Three verified leads made a respectable result for the pilot week.
- respectable performance
The reserve team delivered a respectable performance against the champions.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective sense 1: deserving respect opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English adjective sense 2: decent or satisfactory opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.