credential

[ kri-den-shuhl ]

noun

1. Usually credentials.
   1. evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form:

      Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.

   2. Digital Technology. information that identifies an account and keeps it secure, as username and password:

      The IT department assigns temporary system credentials to new employees.

2. anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

verb (used with object)

, cre·den·tialed, cre·den·tial·ing or especially British cre·den·tialled, cre·den·tial·ling.

1. to grant credentials to, especially educational and professional ones:

   She has been credentialed to teach math.

adjective

1. providing the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

credential

/ krɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc
2. plural a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence

adjective

1. entitling one to confidence, authority, etc

Derived Forms

• creˈdentialed, adjective

Other Words From

• uncre·dentialed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English credencial, from Medieval Latin crēdenti(a); credence, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

C16: from Medieval Latin crēdentia credit, trust; see credence

Example Sentences

Reeves has often sought to underline her economic credentials by pointing to the roles she held before becoming an MP.

From BBC

"We didn’t have credentials to get on the field. But I said 'no-one is going to pay attention'. This was pre-9/11, security was much more lax than it is now."

From BBC

She followed up in the debate with hard shots at Trump’s credentials as a patriot and a protector, saying that Putin would eat his lunch and military leaders said Trump was a disgrace.

From Salon

“We don’t see the process of our clothes being made, so a lot of people don’t realize that the design choices completely define the sustainability credentials of our clothes,” Robinson tells me.

From Los Angeles Times

The former captain said beforehand that Wales would "know a lot more" about themselves and their 2026 World Cup qualifying credentials after this match in Turkey, and events in Kayseri confirmed that view.

From BBC

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty