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

Ukraine’s ability to withstand the Russian campaign, and carefully ration its power supplies, served only to cement its leader Volodymyr Zelensky’s credibility at home. —Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

If the first two films strained credibility, Death Wish 3 throws it out the window en route to stacking up a body count akin to a minor military conflict. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has long since lost credibility among Palestinians and has come to be seen as disconnected from their aspirations. —Samer Sinijlawi, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

This loss of credibility empowers bond markets, and their displeasure can lead to sudden, painful economic consequences for everyday Americans through surging interest rates on mortgages and loans. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Nov. 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