modicum of respectability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of respectability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of respectability or dignity in a situation or context. Example: "Despite the scandal, he managed to maintain a modicum of respectability in his professional life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If the move was an attempt to gain a modicum of respectability, it backfired.

Forbes

And from 62-6, it was Ben Stokes who gave England's total a faint modicum of respectability with a composed 47.

BBC

Bitcoin has accreted to itself a modicum of respectability in recent months, failing to collapse as some predicted, and instead showing off a level of price stability that has almost surprised.

TechCrunch

But with the help of Ravichandran Ashwin (20), Dhoni managed a gritty unbeaten 57 - his maiden fifty on Australian soil - to hand a modicum of respectability to his side's total before he ran out of partners.

BBC

Trump rewarded Priebus for his loyalty with the top White House post, enabling Trump to claim a much-needed modicum of respectability with GOP insiders.

Huffington Post

Their vision though, of an empowered white nationalism that uses an modicum of respectability to gain entry to public discussion, materialised again last week as Australia watched Cottrell in a trim suit with a red tie, speak to Northern Territory Country Liberal Party chief minister Adam Giles on a national broadcaster.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Robert A. Heinlein died in 1988 at the age of 80. Along with a handful of his contemporaries -- including Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov -- he is credited with propelling science fiction beyond its pulp-magazine roots to wide popularity and even a modicum of literary respectability.

The New York Times - Books

"Only longevity earned us some modicum of respect.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's difficult to even get a modicum of respect.

Los Angeles Times

Sometimes knowing just the disease can preserve a modicum of distance and respectability, which is essential to the doctor-patient relationship.

The New York Times

In those days, anyone with a modicum of self-respect had to have a project.

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of respectability" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has achieved only a small or limited amount of respect or credibility, often in the face of challenges or negative perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of respectability" when describing situations where someone or something has gained significant or widespread respect. This phrase implies a limited or marginal level of acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of respectability" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a limited quantity or degree of being respectable or worthy of esteem. As evidenced by Ludwig, it indicates a small amount of positive regard or credibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of respectability" is a noun phrase used to describe a small or limited amount of respect or credibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While not a highly frequent expression, it effectively communicates the idea that something or someone has only attained a minimal level of acceptance. Consider alternatives like "iota of esteem" or "semblance of dignity" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Remember to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement when describing situations of genuine or widespread respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semblance of dignity

Replaces "respectability" with "dignity" and "modicum" with "semblance", focusing on the appearance of being worthy of respect.

degree of repute

Replaces "respectability" with "repute", indicating the state of being well-regarded.

iota of esteem

Replaces "respectability" with "esteem" and "modicum" with "iota", indicating a very small amount of favorable regard.

shred of credibility

Indicates a minimal amount of believability, similar to a small amount of respectability.

air of credibility

Shifts the focus to believability and trustworthiness rather than general respect.

veneer of legitimacy

Highlights the superficial appearance of being lawful or acceptable.

flicker of regard

Focuses on being regarded or esteemed, implying a brief or insubstantial amount of respect.

hint of acceptance

Emphasizes being accepted or approved, which is a component of respectability.

dash of integrity

Emphasizes honesty and moral principles as a component of respectability.

touch of class

Focuses on elegance and sophistication as a way to gain respect.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum of respectability" in a sentence?

You can use "modicum of respectability" to describe situations where something or someone has achieved a small amount of respect, often after facing challenges. For example: "Despite his controversial past, he managed to gain a "modicum of respectability" in his new role."

What are some alternatives to "modicum of respectability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "iota of esteem", "semblance of dignity", or "degree of repute", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a modicum of respect" instead of "modicum of respectability"?

Yes, "a modicum of respect" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative. However, ""modicum of respectability"" specifically emphasizes the quality or state of being respectable, while "modicum of respect" simply implies a small amount of respect.

What's the difference between "modicum of respectability" and "veneer of respectability"?

"Modicum of respectability" suggests a small but genuine amount of respect has been earned, whereas "veneer of respectability" implies a superficial or deceptive appearance of respect, often masking underlying issues.