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

The frames are flexible and well-cushioned, and the anti-fog technology was dependable (the two panes help regulate the temperature of the goggles). —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 24 Jan. 2025

Marcus Jones is a solid, if undersized, option in the slot, and Miles Battle, Isaiah Bolden and Alex Austin all showed potential in 2024, but the Patriots need another dependable outside cornerback. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

However, while the market for binoculars is mature and has plenty of choice, that’s not true of the monocular market, which is changing quickly but is less dependable. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025

McDonald's has been utterly dependable since drive-throughs began popping up around the country in the 1950s. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025

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