English · Word Candidate

respectable

[ɹɪˈspɛk.tə.bl̩]

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: respectables

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Deserving respect.

Adjective

Examples

His accomplishments, morals, loyalty, and stature make him a respectable person.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Decent; satisfactory.

Adjective

Examples

Turn up to the interview wearing something respectable. She plays a respectable game of chess. He got a respectable B+ on his last exam.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person who is respectable.

Noun

Examples

They forced their way into the meetings called by the respectables; and the respectables disappeared. It was of their own respectable good pleasure that they withdrew.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “respectable” mean?

Deserving respect.

Is “respectable” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.