reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

1

: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable

2

: giving the same result on successive trials

reliableness noun

reliably

ri-ˈlī-ə-blē 

adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

Synonyms of reliable

Adjective

• responsible
• safe
• true
• good
• steady
• dependable
• solid
• trustworthy
• secure
• loyal

Examples of reliable in a Sentence

Adjective

He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do.

We can't write a report without reliable data.

We need more reliable information before we can take action.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Running back Chuba Hubbard was reliable again for 79 rushing yards and even a fourth-down catch that kept the Panthers’ hopes alive. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026

Similarly, a drone can lose reliable GPS or compass information while remaining connected to its pilot. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Noun

Another hands-free pair, the Go Walk Joy sneakers are sure to become your new ol’ reliables. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Oct. 2026

Then there are the old reliables that haven’t necessarily been nominated in recent years but are always in the conversation such as Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Real Time with Bill Maher and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. — Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reliable

• classifiable
• justifiable
• modifiable
• notifiable
• satisfiable
• specifiable
• undeniable
• unreliable
• verifiable
• emulsifiable
• identifiable
• unclassifiable

Kids Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able

ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl

: fit to be trusted : dependable

reliableness noun

reliably

-blē

adverb

Medical Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

: giving the same result on successive trials

a reliable psychological test