credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce credibility (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These stats show that there’s a growing credibility crisis for AI and organizations, more than ever before, must build and deploy AI tools in ways that preserve trust and bolster their credibility, not erode it. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 The congresswoman also blasted the poll’s credibility. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2025 The defense’s strategy will be to call Sokola’s credibility into question by highlighting discrepancies in her testimony over the years, and by pointing to her struggles with alcoholism and mental health. Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 The partners are co-developing the project with plans to lock casting and pre-production by year’s end before cameras roll in Q1 2026. MAP, established in 2015, has built an portfolio blending commercial success with artistic credibility. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for credibility

Word History

Etymology

see credible

First Known Use

circa 1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of credibility was circa 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Credibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credibility. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

credibility

noun
cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce credibility (audio)
1
: the quality or power of inspiring belief
a story without much credibility
2
: capacity for belief
an excuse beyond credibility

More from Merriam-Webster on credibility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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