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

That means engineers must consider reliability, integration and performance alongside the underlying science. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Every process requires balancing sensitivity with reliability, ensuring electrons respond to the push of a laser’s pulse and then emit a tell-tale blip of light without fail. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026

Automotive engineering has always been about optimizing a balanced system for range, rapid refueling, low weight, efficiency, safety and reliability. — Vincent Yang, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The Panama Canal could further add compounding pressure on schedule reliability in the coming months. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 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