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 businesses operating in food, health, wellness, and sustainability, this isn’t just a fringe issue but a growing strategic risk to product credibility, policy compliance, consumer safety, and long-term brand value. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Trump was also pressed about Blanche's sit-down with Maxwell and her credibility. —Elena Moore, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025

But Trump’s recent actions and statements about both positions may have already harmed the credibility of either hire. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025

But Israel's actions significantly undermined international law and further eroded Lebanese sovereignty and credibility. —Lynn Zovighian, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 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