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

That process requires not only fissile material but also sophisticated warhead design, dependable delivery systems, and rigorous testing—all of which remain unconfirmed in Iran's case. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Therein lies the issue: Generative AI is a technology that works well enough for users to become dependent, but not consistently enough to be truly dependable. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025

Roberts quietly emerged as one of the Tigers’ most dependable pass blockers last season. —Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025

West Virginia Representative Carol Miller, a co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, said the country needs the dependable baseload power that coal provides. —Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see depend

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dependable

• spendable
• amendable
• commendable
• expendable
• extendable
• undependable

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