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

Best Buy Here's proof that reliable tracking doesn't have to be expensive. —Adrienne So, Wired News, 10 July 2025

The stable coherence properties of neutral atoms facilitate the reliable extraction and preservation of atomic imprints. —Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Noun

Unlike Louisville’s other quintessential coffee reliables that have been around for a certain number of years, there is only one Safai Coffee. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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

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