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

This can be delicate at a company beloved for reliability. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

Aaronson’s defensive reliability has been trumpeted by Daniel Farke this season. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Security teams have repeatedly favored the Cadex CDX-50, thanks to its reliability, durability, and flexibility. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025

The internet monitoring platform conducts real-time monitoring and captures data that lets firms better understand their customers’ digital experiences through availability, performance, reachability and reliability. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 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