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

This is how a Syria story becomes a domestic credibility story—without needing voters to know details. —Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

In Milwaukee County, the District Attorney’s Office has long maintained a list of law enforcement officers accused of lying, breaking the law, or acting in a way that erodes their credibility to be a witness. —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The Miso Film crime drama for Denmark‘s pubcaster, DR, follows the criminal investigation into a fatal police shooting that threatens the credibility of the entire institution. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026

Indeed, credibility is key to helping the Weather Channel build its business. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 23 Jan. 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