credential

1 of 3

adjective

cre·​den·​tial kri-ˈden(t)-shəl 

: warranting credit or confidence

—used chiefly in the phrase credential letters

credential

2 of 3

noun

1

: something that gives a title to credit or confidence

also : qualification sense 3a

the applicant with the best credentials

2

credentials plural : testimonials or certified documents showing that a person is entitled to credit or has a right to exercise official power

a doctor's credentials

3

: certificate, diploma

credential

3 of 3

verb

credentialed also credentialled; credentialing also credentialling

transitive verb

: to furnish with credentials

… to credential adequate academic performance …

—K. Patricia Cross

journalists who have been credentialed by the Secret Service

Synonyms

Noun

• capability
• goods
• qualification
• stuff

Examples of credential in a Sentence

Noun

My experience as a manager is my strongest credential.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Earlier this week, Baltimore-Washington International Airport was among the first facilities in the country to install the new scanners, which are called credential authentication technology (CAT) in industry parlance. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2023

Unfortunately, this process can be confusing and may expose users to scammers and credential stealers. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Noun

At the time, Kounalakis’ main political credential was having given tons of money to Democratic candidates and political causes. —Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 12 June 2024

The credential demonstrates a commitment to meeting the unique needs of community associations. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2024

Verb

Though many county chairs had attempted to credential delegates for both conventions, while a court ruling was pending, more than 20 only attempted to register for the Detroit convention. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 1 Mar. 2024

There are some, believe it or not, who would not credential Schlapp or CPAC as conservative. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see credence

Noun

see credence

Verb

see credence

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above