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

Mitchell’s call-them-like-he-sees-them numbers have real credibility with the political class, since a Republican governor likely isn’t his preferred electoral outcome. —David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026

Every performance is an opportunity to build credibility. —Becca Brazil, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026

Legality and credibility outweigh maintaining a narrative. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

To ensure the fairness and credibility of our readers’ poll, any votes originating from the same IP address that exceed 20 submissions will be excluded from the final tally. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 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