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

Kupp says his team is zeroing in on quality beans while working with reliable farmer cooperatives and growers with high standards. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 2 July 2024

Amazon quietly discounted several popular Vionic styles right now, so there’s never been a better time to stock up on a few reliable pairs to pack for your next adventure. —Jennifer Chan, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2024

Noun

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

From old reliables like Ralph Lauren and Orlebar Brown to new innovators on the scene. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Apr. 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