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

These visitors scan for signs of credibility and impact. —Talie Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Under her tenure, DR Congo’s foreign reserves climbed from $1.2 billion to nearly $6.8 billion, inflation slowed, and the BCC’s credibility improved among investors and lenders. —Joël Té-Léssia Assoko, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The poll was conducted online from Aug. 18-20 and has a credibility interval of plus or minus 5 points. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

New York or London could have provided an air of credibility to the company, which in Western markets has caught backlash from multiple directions—shoppers, consumer organizations and governments alike. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 20 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