credibility

Sometimes credi·ble·ness

[kred-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality of being believable or worthy of trust.

   After all those lies, his credibility was at a low ebb.

credibility

/ ˌkrɛdɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being believed or trusted

Other Word Forms

• noncredibility noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of credibility¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin crēdibilitās, equivalent to Latin crēdibili(s) credible ( def. ) + -tās -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

"The lying ruins the distinguishing factor between different businesses. It takes the credibility away from family-run businesses that have been here for so long," he said.

From BBC

“Maybe they think they’re saving their credibility for when it really counts.”

From Los Angeles Times

CBS News also has to regain the trust of the audience that has listened to right-wing pundits pound away at the credibility of mainstream press.

From Los Angeles Times

"He's got the credibility and experience having been embroiled in the Middle East for 24 years," he said.

From BBC

"We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility," he wrote.

From BBC

Related Words

• chance 
• integrity 
• prospect 
• reliability 
• soundness 
• trustworthiness 
• validity