reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being reliable

2

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

Synonyms

• reliableness
• dependability
• responsibility
• trustworthiness
• solidity

Examples of reliability in a Sentence

we never had reason to question the reliability of the park rangers in the event of an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

The material’s combination of high electroactivity and hydrophobicity allows lithium ions to travel efficiently to the electronic system, reducing potential drift and improving measurement reliability. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025

The airline this year announced new measures to improve reliability. —Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025

In the same reports, Tesla placed 17th out of 22 in the reliability ranking, but scored third in customer satisfaction. —Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

It combined speed, polish, and reliability in a compact cube. —PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reliability

• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability
• affordability
• allowability
• amenability
• amiability
• appealability
• applicability
• availability

Kids Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials