decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is adequate, satisfactory, or acceptable in quality, standard, or condition. For example: "The soup was decent, but I think it could have used more seasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of the barbs are paraphrases for "decent, principled man".

The Guardian

And yet there's something gloomily philistine about it, something that leaves you with a surprising pang for the days when Tory patricians were allowed to be decent chaps without quite such demands on their electoral palatability.

The Guardian

If the practical effect of the law is that people live in fear because the offender is unafraid of the legal process then, in the name of civil liberties, we are allowing the vulnerable, the decent, the people who show respect and expect it back, to have their essential liberties trampled on.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Tory-held constituencies such as Pudsey – where Labour came second in 2010, and the Lib Dems were a decent third – they could lose if Lib Dem deserters return to Labour in numbers.

The Guardian

"I'm struggling to find a decent stats site, any variation of googling throws up gambling sites, which I need to steer clear of... ...... Eberhard Spohd has the following for what happens if every match finishes 0-0.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet we still haven't heard from our political leaders about how they think letting Assad get away with what he is doing will contribute to any decent outcome, or to prevent more terrorist acts taking place in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Milne said it was "appalling" that Australia would "pay our most impoverished neighbour" so it could "dump" people there without any chance of safety or work or a decent life.

The Guardian

Make your own rhubarb cordial – put 400-450g rhubarb, 250g sugar, the juice of half a lemon and 500ml water in a pan, bring to a boil, simmer until the rhubarb has disintegrated, then cool, strain through muslin into a jug (it will take a few hours to drip through) and refrigerate; or buy a decent commercial brand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With 10 minutes left and tension increasing, Stokes set up the substitute Callum McGregor, on for Forrest, but Bain made a decent save from the angled drive.

The Guardian - Sport

The champions realised they had a game on their hands again and Charlie Mulgrew, the stand-in skipper in the absence of suspended Scott Brown, came close with a decent drive after being set up by Stokes.

The Guardian - Sport

At least one English coach will take charge of a team at the World Twenty20 with a decent chance of winning it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more precise alternatives like "respectable", "suitable", or "adequate" if "decent" feels too vague for your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "decent" simply as a generic positive adjective. Replace it with a more descriptive word that better reflects the specific quality you want to highlight, such as "remarkable", "outstanding", or "competent".

Linguistic Context

The word "decent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate an acceptable or adequate level of quality, morality, or suitability. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe everything from character traits to material possessions and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "decent" functions as an adjective with multiple meanings. It indicates something is adequate, respectable, or morally sound. Ludwig AI confirms that "decent" is grammatically correct and widely used. The word is most frequently used in news and media contexts. While "decent" is a versatile term, consider more precise alternatives like "respectable", "suitable", or "adequate" to enhance clarity and impact. Avoid using "decent" simply as a generic positive adjective, opting instead for more descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable

Indicates a higher degree of social approval and moral uprightness than "decent".

suitable

Focuses on appropriateness for a particular purpose or situation, rather than general goodness.

appropriate

Stresses the fittingness of something in a particular context.

adequate

Emphasizes sufficiency or just enough quality, often implying a lower standard than "decent".

principled

Emphasizes adherence to strong moral principles.

acceptable

Highlights that something meets a minimum requirement or standard without necessarily being good.

satisfactory

Implies that something meets expectations or fulfills a need without being exceptional.

honest

Highlights moral integrity and truthfulness.

fair enough

Indicates a level of acceptance or agreement, often in response to a proposal or situation.

of good quality

Focuses specifically on the level of excellence or value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "decent" in a sentence?

You can use "decent" to describe something that is adequate or acceptable, like "a decent meal", or to describe someone with good moral character, like "a decent person".

What can I say instead of "decent"?

You can use alternatives like "respectable", "suitable", or "adequate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "decent" or "good"?

"Decent" and "good" are both correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Decent" implies adequacy or respectability, while "good" is a more general term for something positive.

What's the difference between "decent" and "moral"?

"Decent" implies a basic level of moral uprightness and respectability, while "moral" suggests a stronger adherence to ethical principles.