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

And while that’s not a reason to abandon AI tools, a recent study should remind programmers that even reliable versions of the technology are still prone to bouts of weirdness—like claiming knee X-rays can prove someone drinks beer or eats refried beans. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Dec. 2024

Data validation is a critical first step in building reliable systems. —John Case, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

The old first-week Olympic reliables like gymnastics and swimming are already producing and reproducing their usual cast of celebrities. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 30 July 2024

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

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