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

Guided by these experts, the team establishes credibility backed by science and best practices. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Stress has been building at the long-end of the yield curve, where investors are most sensitive to fiscal credibility. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

People remember who offered insights and value—and deals often follow naturally once trust and credibility are built. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

If the question is military credibility, the United States signals through deployments and exercises, not parades. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

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