credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce credibility (audio)
1
: the quality or power of inspiring belief
an account lacking in credibility
2
: capacity for belief
Her account exceeds credibility.

Examples of credibility in a Sentence

The new evidence lends credibility to their theory. The scandal undermined her credibility as an honest politician. In this instance, the lawyer's job is to make the jury doubt the witness's credibility.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders who fight or resist change will lose credibility. Kathryn Lancioni, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The most severe drop was in press freedom when compared with five years ago, but the indicator for the credibility of elections was at its lowest in 30 years. Matthew Tostevin john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 In a single attack, US credibility across the Middle East was put on the line. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025 In the message, VSU students, faculty and staff are asked to remain on lockdown while campus police, and local, state and federal law enforcement investigate the credibility of the threat that was received. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for credibility

Word History

Etymology

see credible

First Known Use

circa 1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of credibility was circa 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Credibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/credibility. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

credibility

noun
cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce credibility (audio)
1
: the quality or power of inspiring belief
a story without much credibility
2
: capacity for belief
an excuse beyond credibility

More from Merriam-Webster on credibility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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