credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

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

Ultimately, Oudard said this focus on the gin level will allow cotton supply chains to gain transparency, credibility and resilience, supporting responsible global sourcing. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2026

This will be because of uncertainty over the credibility of international commitments made by the United States. —Debak Das, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026

Warsh has said adherence to outdated forward guidance cost the institution credibility. —Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026

Goldman noted that its unemployment projections align closely with simulations run through the Federal Reserve’s own FRB/US model, lending additional credibility to the estimates. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see credible

First Known Use

circa 1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing credibility

• credibility gap
• lend weight/credence/credibility

Rhymes for credibility

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

Kids Definition

credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or power of inspiring belief

a story without much credibility

2

: capacity for belief

an excuse beyond credibility