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 of reliability

• reliableness
• dependability
• responsibility
• trustworthiness
• solidity

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

The latest awards reinforce how those engineering capabilities are being applied to torpedo reliability, submarine maintenance and the long-term readiness of America’s undersea fleet. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026

Abbott’s office has warned that unprecedented growth in electricity demand from data centers could threaten the reliability and stability of the Texas power grid. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

The transit agency periodically adjusts its schedule to improve reliability, enhance connections and respond to rider feedback, RT spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez said. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Observability provides traces of prompts, tool calls, decisions and actions, allowing teams to investigate mistakes, identify root causes and continuously improve reliability and safety. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reliability

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

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