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.
That voluntary framework, he said, has given the industry credibility with US lawmakers that social media platforms lack.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
Becerra has framed his campaign around his lifetime of work in politics and his credibility working in Congress in Washington DC, and in California in state office.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Alphabet is one of a tiny number of companies capable of raising so much cash without tanking its stock, thanks to its near-monopoly in online search and credibility with Wall Street in new ventures.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Before handing down the sentence, Wilson made it clear that Sanberg’s credibility was questionable.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
If you’ve got credibility, you’re believable; you can be trusted.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
