credibility
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of credibility
First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin crēdibilitās, equivalent to Latin crēdibili(s) credible ( def. ) + -tās -ty 2 ( def. )
Explanation
You have credibility when you seem totally trustworthy or believable. You lose it when you start lying, cheating and acting rather shady. Credibility is a noun that speaks to plausibility or believableness, so the star witness at your trial or the person writing your recommendation letter should certainly have it. Be careful though, because someone with credibility isn't necessarily telling the truth. As any con man or politician can tell you, credibility can easily come from nothing more than a confident smile.
Vocabulary lists containing credibility
Argumentative Writing
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Believe It or Not: Cred
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Argumentative Writing, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Credibility, I assumed, was built by projecting competence and composure, not by exposing flaws.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
Credibility issues are mounting for Trade Desk, the advertising-technology company that just announced a new interim chief financial officer about five months after naming its last permanent one.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026
Credibility, once damaged, they said, is difficult to restore.
From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026
Credibility concerns could make the job even harder.
From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025
It shall only be remarked that when the Credibility of Religion is the thing generally denied, Evidences will of necessity be the form which much of the Theological writing of the Day will assume.
From Inspiration and Interpretation Seven Sermons Preached Before the University of Oxford by Burgon, John William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
