reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

1

: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable

2

: giving the same result on successive trials

reliableness noun

reliably

ri-ˈlī-ə-blē 

adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

Synonyms

Adjective

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

Examples of reliable in a Sentence

Adjective

He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do.

We can't write a report without reliable data.

We need more reliable information before we can take action.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Vibes are likely as reliable as polls with spreads this wide. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

The implications of such interference can be catastrophic, especially during a crisis when reliable communications networks and accurate location are paramount. —Markus Lutz, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Noun

Get your squash season up and running with Cuisinart, an old reliable with stainless steel designs that are even older and more reliable. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Oct. 2024

No matter the situation, preflight grab-and-go Hudson News is the old reliable. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able

ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl

: fit to be trusted : dependable

reliableness noun

reliably

-blē

adverb

Medical Definition

reliable

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl 

: giving the same result on successive trials

a reliable psychological test