reliability
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- nonreliability noun
Etymology
Origin of reliability
Explanation
It's nice when someone compliments your reliability because it means they think you are dependable. Things that are known for reliability? Your best friend, sunrise, sunset and unfortunately also taxes. The word is a new one and didn't become common until after 1850 during the Industrial Revolution. Before things were mass produced, how reliable they were was not such an issue. Interesting fact: reliability is an American word, and the Brits scoffed at its new usage.
Vocabulary lists containing reliability
Monster
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Mechanical Engineering
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Structural Engineering
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Without that knowledge, it is difficult to improve the performance and reliability of quantum systems.
From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026
But those features were soon replaced by electric motors, which allowed smoother, faster and more-efficient rides, and steel cables that provided more strength, reliability and safety.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
The DEA is supporting the Bolivian government as it conducts "reliability" screens on anti-narcotics officers using polygraph lie detectors.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
She also cast doubt on the reliability of Beth and Laura's commercial DNA test.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
That raised doubts about the reliability of the autopsy.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
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.
