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 lawsuit also alleges authorities relied on testimony from a jailhouse informant who received benefits in exchange for cooperating, while failing to disclose information that could have undermined his credibility. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people, will be able to bring it back to its former credibility and glory. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 May 2026

After all, his financial prowess, paired with his devoted retail fanbase and his very real entrepreneurial chops (Chewy) are what gave his bid some credibility in the first place. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 6 May 2026

Early and mid-career assignments can help rising managers build credibility, autonomy, and resilience. —Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 4 May 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