reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
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

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
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.
Overall, achieving cost-effective mass production while maintaining reliability remains a challenge. Anton Alikov, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Interconnection queues for all energy systems, but particularly solar, wind, and batteries, typically last three years or more as project developers produce reliability studies and cope with mounting regulatory paperwork delays. Umair Irfan, Wired News, 26 Apr. 2025 As consumers and businesses keep pushing the limits of speed, functionality, and reliability, society demands innovation — and fast. William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 The improvements address previous capacity shortfalls that led to sanitary sewer overflows during heavy rains, significantly improving the system’s resilience and reliability, officials said. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reliability

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliability was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Reliability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliability. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

reliability

noun
re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
plural reliabilities
: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun
re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
plural reliabilities
: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

More from Merriam-Webster on reliability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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