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

The collective failure to scrutinize this evidence, Zumot argued, deprived a jury of the opportunity to fairly assess his credibility and the prosecution’s case against him. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

When a leader calls something a transformation that is designed to be more incremental, that leader loses trust, credibility, and respect. —Brené Brown, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025

Kidd, often left as the organization’s public voice during the turbulence, managed to maintain credibility among players and fans despite the chaos. —Evan Dammarell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Cancian questioned whether Scheller has the credibility to lead such a crucial reform push. —Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 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