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

Instead, establish strong credibility and present a big-picture problem to be solved. — Tom Tang, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Processes had to be established, teams had to be hired, and revenue had to be generated in a competitive environment with little initial credibility. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Similar to the government’s recent $2 billion investments in quantum firms, such as IBM and PsiQuantum, the executive orders will add credibility to the technology — which still hasn’t proved reliable at scale. — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

Hurtt, who was the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator before coming to Philadelphia in 2024, has earned credibility with his track record. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 24 June 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