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

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

As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

Beyond simply offering a competent and reliable service, however, Lazarus knew that the repair process needed to be streamlined with a client-centric approach from start to finish. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 June 2025

Noun

Gustavo Gimeno conducts; reliables by Ravel and Barber pad out the rest of the program. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

The old first-week Olympic reliables like gymnastics and swimming are already producing and reproducing their usual cast of celebrities. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 30 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reliable

• liable
• pliable
• triable
• viable
• classifiable
• justifiable
• modifiable
• notifiable
• satisfiable
• specifiable
• undeniable
• unreliable

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