dependable

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
: capable of being trusted or depended on : reliable
a dependable source of income
a dependable assistant
needs a dependable car for work
dependability noun
dependableness noun
dependably adverb

Examples of dependable in a Sentence

seeking a dependable person to look after their summer home in the off-season
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This outperformance with diminished risk illustrates the advantages of a more diversified strategy, which can provide a smoother and more dependable investment experience compared to the volatility of an individual stock. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 With a 20-megawatt, 200-megawatt-hour capacity, the plant proves that carbon dioxide can play a surprisingly powerful role in making renewable energy more dependable. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, costs are outpacing revenue as once dependable First-Class Mail has fallen in volume, among other factors. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 July 2025 With quality streaming performance and an extensive set of IT-friendly features, LogMeIn Pro is a dependable (but pricey) way to access remote computers. Justin Pot, PC Magazine, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependable

Word History

Etymology

see depend

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependable was in 1735

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependable. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

dependable

adjective
de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl How to pronounce dependable (audio)
: capable of being depended on : trustworthy, reliable
a dependable car
dependability noun
dependably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dependable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!