dependable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dependable
Compare meaning
How does dependable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Dependable means "reliable, steady, trustworthy." If people can always count on you, that means you are dependable. The adjective dependable can also mean consistent in performance or behavior, like a dependable car that always starts and rarely needs service or a dependable actor who always does a great job, regardless of the role. Dependable can also be used to describe something that is financially sound, like an investment that brings profit with little risk.
Vocabulary lists containing dependable
Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume
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Words to Describe a Friend
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Cover Letter Language
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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.
Among Chandler’s signature roles is the dedicated and dependable coach Eric Taylor on “Friday Night Lights” — a character whose full-hearted approach to mentorship is quite different from Jordan’s.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
"Patients across north Wales have waited far too long for safe, timely and dependable healthcare, while dedicated front-line staff have been repeatedly let down by failures of leadership and governance."
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
That is far too slow and expensive for a dependable hardware supply system.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026
Being a dependable family member often means putting your own needs after other people’s problems.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026
Even the temp agency I had signed with had been unable to find me any type of consistent assignments, so I had no dependable income coming in.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
