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

Keep an eye on your home from thousands of miles away with a reliable doorbell camera. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

Horror Gets a Makeover During a public talk about the state of the industry, NBCUniversal chief Donna Langley revealed that horror, one of the most reliable box office forces, is undergoing a shake-up. —Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025

Noun

In addition to the old reliables, though, there are some new entrants to the fall nail color scene. —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 29 Aug. 2025

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

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