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: deceitful, questionable, undependable

reliable

/ rɪˈlaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be trusted; predictable or dependable

Other Word Forms

• reliability noun
• reliableness noun
• reliably adverb
• nonreliable adjective
• nonreliableness noun
• nonreliably adverb
• quasi-reliable adjective
• quasi-reliably adverb
• ultrareliable adjective
• ultrareliablely 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

"These results show that short-finned pilot whales are in relatively good shape in Hawaiʻi, having found an abundant and reliable source of food," says Gough, who remains optimistic about the species' outlook in the region.

Read more on Science Daily

Longer coherence time directly supports scaling and more reliable error correction.

Read more on Science Daily

A new UK-first pilot scheme is aiming to create fast and more reliable train wi-fi, using technology originally developed for Formula 1 cars.

Read more on BBC

Jersey's Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar, said the government was working with an alternative airline to ensure Jersey had "reliable and sustainable air links for the long-term."

Read more on BBC

The SAG Awards have long been a reliable precursor to the Oscars on the awards season calendar, with last year being an exception.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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