credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or power of inspiring belief

an account lacking in credibility

2

: capacity for belief

Her account exceeds credibility.

Examples of credibility in a Sentence

The new evidence lends credibility to their theory.

The scandal undermined her credibility as an honest politician.

In this instance, the lawyer's job is to make the jury doubt the witness's credibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

Repairing an institution whose incentives, culture, and moral credibility have eroded over decades will require something far more difficult. — Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026

Arday became the focus of hundreds of articles doubting his credibility and denigrating his character in the British and international media. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Her immediate priorities will be to stabilize the rupiah, contain inflation, and preserve the central bank's independence and policy credibility while strengthening coordination with the government. — CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see credible

First Known Use

circa 1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing credibility

• credibility gap
• lend weight/credence/credibility

Rhymes for credibility

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility
• feasibility

Kids Definition

credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or power of inspiring belief

a story without much credibility

2

: capacity for belief

an excuse beyond credibility