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

In journalism, visibility and virality are not the standard—credibility is. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

Dave Williams, the former Colorado GOP chairman who destroyed what remained of the state party’s credibility, recently got a job with the Commerce Department. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025

But credibility isn’t the goal: Entertainment is the goal, at least for ESPN. —Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 20 June 2025

Authenticity builds trust and credibility, making your brand more personal, memorable and relatable. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 June 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