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

Yet Kennedy’s trajectory suggests that even in a corporate landscape defined by job-hopping, the conventional route of building range and credibility at a single employer remains a viable one for younger workers. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

Independence supports credibility with residents, insurers, lenders, and public officials. —Keegan A. Berry, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026

Still, a trust charter would give it the legal authority, access to banking infrastructure and regulatory credibility to move, hold, and settle money more efficiently — and perhaps set it up to compete more with PayPal or Square. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026

Bondi’s fumbling of the Epstein files investigation sparked outrage from conservatives and Congress, undermining her credibility. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 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