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

Still, programs are putting their credibility on the line by selling the products. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

If billing systems cannot produce this, the audit can become an operational distraction and severe credibility risk. — Jordan Zamir, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The diminishment of American credibility, another cost, will probably be with us for decades to come. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

That credibility earns Morgan Stanley the right to take big swings. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 July 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