reliable

¹re·li·able

adjective \ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl\

Definition of RELIABLE

1

: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable

2

: giving the same result on successive trials

— re·li·able·ness noun

— re·li·ably \-blē\ adverb

Examples of RELIABLE

1. He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do.
2. We can't write a report without reliable data.
3. We need more reliable information before we can take action.

First Known Use of RELIABLE

1569

Related to RELIABLE

Synonyms

calculable, good, dependable, responsible, safe, secure, solid, steady, sure, tried, tried-and-true, true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty

Antonyms

dodgy [chiefly British], uncertain, undependable, unreliable, unsafe, untrustworthy

Related Words

constant, devoted, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, true-blue; honest, sincere, single-minded; infallible, unerring; bedrock, firm, sound, strong; effective, telling; attested, authenticated, confirmed, proven, valid, validated, verified; blameless, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, inerrant, irreproachable, unimpeachable, unquestionable

Near Antonyms

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue; deceitful, dishonest, lying, mendacious, untruthful; debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, dubious, fishy, problematic (also problematical), questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, uncertain, unsound; hazardous, risky; unconfirmed, untried

Rhymes with RELIABLE

deniable, inviable

²reliable

noun

Definition of RELIABLE

: one that is reliable

First Known Use of RELIABLE

1852

re·li·able

adjective \ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RELIABLE

: giving the same result on successive trials <a reliable psychological test>