dependable

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl 

: capable of being trusted or depended on : reliable

a dependable source of income

a dependable assistant

needs a dependable car for work

dependability

di-ˌpen-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

dependableness noun

dependably

di-ˈpen-də-blē 

adverb

dependableness

2 of 2

noun

de·​pend·​able·​ness

plural -es

: dependability

Synonyms of dependable

Adjective

• reliable
• responsible
• safe
• good

Examples of dependable in a Sentence

Adjective

seeking a dependable person to look after their summer home in the off-season

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Thomas frequently deploys the club on courses where traditional 3-woods aren't needed off the deck, and used this mini-driver as a dependable secondary tee option that carries further than a 3-wood. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Athletic departments need dependable new revenue sources to pay the bills. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 28 July 2026

The next challenge will be turning a successful laboratory prototype into something durable, comfortable and dependable enough for daily use. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

The clinic had reliable lighting, functioning equipment and dependable power throughout the delivery. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

depend + -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1735, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dependable

• spendable
• amendable
• commendable
• expendable
• extendable
• undependable

Kids Definition

dependable

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl 

: capable of being depended on : trustworthy, reliable

a dependable car

dependability

-ˌpen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

dependably

-ˈpen-də-blē 

adverb