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

Too often, public health and medicine overinvest in the first, underinvest in the third, and take credibility for granted, assuming that degrees and titles are sufficient to earn trust. —Monica L. Wang, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026

But at the same time, the CFO’s regular interaction with the board, on financial performance, forecasts, and risk, can build credibility and influence, potentially positioning them as a successor. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, public opinion in the Arab world shows profound damage to the United States’ reputation in the region and a loss of credibility in the international legal and humanitarian system. —Ioana Emy Matesan, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026

The idea that Iran poses an imminent threat to the US is not merely not credible—credibility is entirely irrelevant. —Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 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