reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being reliable

2

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

Synonyms of reliability

• reliableness
• dependability
• responsibility
• trustworthiness
• solidity

Examples of reliability in a Sentence

we never had reason to question the reliability of the park rangers in the event of an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

Operational reliability, targeting accuracy, command-and-control arrangements, survivability, and integration with existing military systems will all influence its eventual strategic value. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Cadillac has endured some persistent reliability issues and needs to surmount them. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Forecasts for this storm reflect the improving reliability of AI weather models overall, and signal an astonishingly rapid shift to routine use of such products by human forecasters. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

On the other hand, James Hardiman, a general partner at DCVC, which led TypeSafe’s $40 million seed round, points to the startup’s two years of development, particularly its work on reliability, as an advantage over its larger rival. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reliability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials