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 relevant question isn’t the size of the debt, but what conditions could finally break investor confidence — and those conditions have as much to do with governance and geopolitical credibility as with any balance sheet figure. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026

Who has the credibility to lead negotiations now? —CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Joy Mayer, executive director of the nonprofit Trusting News, seeks to help journalists actively earn the trust of their communities and demonstrate credibility. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026

Some of what the pranksters say or do for the sake of a gag skirts credibility. —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 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