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

As a third-generation jeweler, he's witnessed their reliability throughout economic cycles. —Sharon Wu, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Meanwhile, the water- and sweat-resistant design adds reliability during commutes and workouts. —PC Magazine, 15 Nov. 2025

The exercise was part of a stockpile reliability assessment, according to an official press release. —Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

Stirling engines introduce moving parts, which also raises reliability concerns in space. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 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