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

The most reliable growth market of the next decade may not be attention, or compute, or even healthcare. — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Better data and more reliable staffing would go a long way in making sure that more donated food gets to those who need it the most. — John Lowrey, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Noun

That said, this midweight pair is the next best thing to my old reliables. — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 7 July 2025

The new ol’ reliable will serve as a mainstay in your capsule wardrobe for seasons to come. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Jan. 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