reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
1
: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable
2
: giving the same result on successive trials
reliableness noun
reliably adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As a meta-analysis, the researchers noted that their report provides more reliable answers than a smaller, singular study. Lauryn Higgins, Health, 23 Jan. 2025 An uptick in office lease signings has led some to hope the office rental market has hit bottom, but others, like landlord and developer Garrett Lee, believe there’s a more reliable path forward than trying to convince tenants to return: converting offices into apartments. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
Gustavo Gimeno conducts; reliables by Ravel and Barber pad out the rest of the program. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for reliable 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliable was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near reliable

Cite this Entry

“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliable. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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 How to pronounce reliable (audio)
: giving the same result on successive trials
a reliable psychological test

More from Merriam-Webster on reliable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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