dependable

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl 

: capable of being trusted or depended on : reliable

a dependable source of income

a dependable assistant

needs a dependable car for work

dependability

di-ˌpen-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

dependableness noun

dependably

di-ˈpen-də-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• calculable
• good
• reliable
• responsible
• safe
• secure
• solid
• steady
• sure
• tried
• tried-and-true
• true
• trustable
• trustworthy
• trusty

Examples of dependable in a Sentence

seeking a dependable person to look after their summer home in the off-season

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond her personal goals, India is a kind and dependable friend who actively supports her peers, collaborating on projects and offering encouragement during challenging moments. —Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe Ms. Moore as honest, courageous, trustworthy, and dependable. —The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024

Case in point: Sybil Stone's classic New England wardrobe in The Family Stone. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the film depicts Sybil (played by Diane Keaton) in looks that are dependable yet chic. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

This bike is loaded, from its slick paint job and available walk-in frame to a dependable belt drive and motor-sensing hydraulic brakes. —WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see depend

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dependable

adjective

de·​pend·​able di-ˈpen-də-bəl 

: capable of being depended on : trustworthy, reliable

a dependable car

dependability

-ˌpen-də-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

dependably

-ˈpen-də-blē 

adverb