reliable

[ ri-lahy-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. that may be relied on or trusted; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc.:

   reliable information.

   Synonyms: consistent, authentic, trusty

   Antonyms: undependable, deceitful, questionable

reliable

/ rɪˈlaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be trusted; predictable or dependable

Derived Forms

• reˈliably, adverb
• reˌliaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• re·lia·bili·ty re·lia·ble·ness noun
• re·lia·bly adverb
• nonre·lia·ble adjective
• nonre·lia·ble·ness noun
• nonre·lia·bly adverb
• quasi-re·lia·ble adjective
• quasi-re·lia·bly adverb
• ultra·re·lia·ble adjective
• ultra·re·lia·ble·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reliable¹

First recorded in 1560–70; rely + -able

Synonym Study

Reliable, infallible, trustworthy apply to persons, objects, ideas, or information that can be depended upon with confident certainty. Reliable suggests consistent dependability of judgment, character, performance, or result: a reliable formula, judge, car, meteorologist. Infallible suggests the complete absence of error, breakdown, or poor performance: an infallible test, system, marksman. Trustworthy emphasizes the steady and honest dependability which encourages one's confidence, belief, or trust: trustworthy and accurate reports.

Example Sentences

While silicon is durable and reliable, it's expensive to produce and is approaching its ceiling of efficiency.

From Science Daily

He supports nuclear and renewable energy technologies, including fusion, if they are “abundant, affordable, and reliable.”

From Science Magazine

Although not without limitations, the study's findings demonstrate the potential of 3D pose estimation to provide objective and reliable data on cow behavior.

From Science Daily

Led by Niclas Högberg, DVM, and Adrien Kroese, Eng, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, the study aimed to develop a reliable method for monitoring the ease with which cows can get up and down in their cubicles, a crucial indicator of overall comfort and well-being.

From Science Daily

The patch provides a simpler and more reliable alternative, as shown in validation tests conducted on patients undergoing arterial line procedures in cardiac catheterization laboratories and intensive care units.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• decent
• decisive
• dependable
• good
• honest
• positive
• predictable
• respectable
• safe
• sincere
• solid
• stable
• steady
• strong
• true