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

• reliably adverb
• reliability noun
• reliableness noun
• 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

"I do not consider it safe, in general, to treat anything Mr Shah says for himself or about the Danish dividend tax refund factory he created as reliable evidence of fact," said Mr Justice Baker.

From BBC

London and Valley Water said on Thursday that its plan was the "fastest and most reliable route" to turn around Thames, clean up waterways and rebuild public trust.

From BBC

The Conservatives have pledged to scrap the UK's landmark climate change legislation and replace it with a strategy for "cheap and reliable" energy.

From BBC

The siege and fighting make it very difficult to get reliable information, but the BBC has worked with freelance journalists inside el-Fasher to get an insight into life for those trapped there.

From BBC

This time of year, however, most postseason teams have three or four reliable starters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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