reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being reliable

2

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

Synonyms

• dependability
• dependableness
• reliableness
• responsibility
• solidity
• solidness
• sureness
• trustability
• trustworthiness

Examples of reliability in a Sentence

we never had reason to question the reliability of the park rangers in the event of an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

Interest groups funded by coal companies have seized upon concerns about reliability as a reason why coal plants should continue operating. —Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2024

The outlet considers many factors that other reviewers don’t ascribe much value to, like predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction. —Logan Carter / Jalopnik, Quartz, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials