reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

1

: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable

2

: giving the same result on successive trials

reliableness noun

reliably

ri-ˈlī-ə-blē 

adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

Synonyms

Adjective

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

Examples of reliable in a Sentence

Adjective

He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do.

We can't write a report without reliable data.

We need more reliable information before we can take action.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

He’s found a reliable rhythm throwing to Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, Logan Loya and Rico Flores Jr. Keegan Jones is pushing T.J. Harden for the designation as the top running back, showing more explosiveness and pass-catching ability out of the backfield. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024

In return, Tesla dangled to other automakers—and their customers—a public charging network that’s remarkably reliable and well developed, especially when compared to the shoddier records of their closest charging rivals. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able

ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl

: fit to be trusted : dependable

reliableness noun

reliably

-blē

adverb

Medical Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

: giving the same result on successive trials

a reliable psychological test