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 of reliability

• 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

In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermine the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Similar efforts to make quantum hardware more resilient include quantum chips designed to verify their own hardware, showing how reliability is becoming a problem that researchers are tackling at several levels. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Do that consistently and the same class of mistake stops recurring; reliability compounds instead of resetting with every new hire. — Vincent Chen, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Because Moczarski was forced to rely on memory, questions have been raised about the reliability of his account, said Jo Glanville in The Guardian. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reliability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

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