reliable

/rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
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Able to be trusted to behave, work, or give information in the expected way.

Examples

  • She checked the claim against a reliable source.
  • Maya is reliable, even when the work gets stressful.
  • Is this test reliable enough for clinical use?
  • The buses are not reliable after midnight.
  • Our old boiler has been surprisingly reliable.

Similar words

sound
consistent
accurate
consistent
responsible
trusty
trustworthy
valid
steady
trustworthy

Meanings

Dependable in behavior or performance

adjective
general
neutral
Can be trusted to behave as promised or to work well and consistently over time.

Examples

  • Maya is reliable, even when the work gets stressful.
  • Our old boiler has been surprisingly reliable.
  • Can you recommend a reliable plumber?
  • The buses are not reliable after midnight.
  • This backup system has worked reliably for years.

Similar words

Accurate and consistent

adjective
communication
neutral
Likely to be correct or to give the same sound result when information, evidence, a source, test, or method is checked or repeated.

Examples

  • We need reliable information before we decide.
  • Is this test reliable enough for clinical use?
  • The estimate became more reliable after the survey.
  • One small sample cannot produce reliable results.
  • She checked the claim against a reliable source.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from rely and -able. It was first recorded in Scottish English in the sixteenth century and became much more common during the nineteenth century.

FAQ

What does reliable mean?

Reliable means able to be trusted to behave, work, or provide information in the expected way.

Can reliable describe a person?

Yes. A reliable person keeps promises, arrives when expected, and completes what they agree to do.

What is a reliable source?

A reliable source is likely to provide accurate information because its methods, evidence, or record can be trusted.

What is the opposite of reliable?

The direct opposite of reliable is unreliable.

What is the difference between reliable and credible?

Reliable stresses consistent performance or accuracy, while credible stresses being believable or worthy of trust.

Where does reliable come from?

Reliable was formed from rely and -able and has been recorded since the sixteenth century.

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