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

For those building a coaching business, this credibility opens doors to corporate clients. —Elissa Kelly, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

While many celebrity beauty brands struggle to gain credibility, Rhode has resonated. —Essence, 28 July 2025

The distrust over how the president has handled the possible Epstein links to rich and powerful individuals could ultimately threaten to weaken the president's credibility. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

Again, multiple times, emphasized the credibility of what's in the files and deflected to try and shift the focus to Democrats and former FBI Director James Comey. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 25 July 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