reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being reliable

2

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

Synonyms

• dependability
• dependableness
• reliableness
• responsibility
• solidity
• solidness
• sureness
• trustability
• trustworthiness

Examples of reliability in a Sentence

we never had reason to question the reliability of the park rangers in the event of an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

One is to launch uncrewed missions first, to test the reliability of the technology for making oxygen and rocket fuel, for example, or for growing crops on Mars. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Additionally, the reliability of natural gas and coal power generation sites is almost half that of nuclear facilities. —Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2025

With concerns over the future of service, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aim to stand out with their own reliability goals. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Jan. 2025

PCMag experts consistently highlight Anker power banks in their best portable chargers roundup for their reliability and performance. —Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural reliabilities

: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials