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

Its credibility will rest on who is chosen to serve. —Vilas Dhar, Time, 25 Sep. 2025

Damaging the Fed’s credibility could interfere with one of the institution’s core missions of keeping inflation in check, the brief said. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

Screenshots, texts, and photos lend credibility when reporting. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

For Mysterio, a member of The Judgment Day, a program with a star of Cena's caliber would be a way to boost his credibility as a champion. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 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