credential
Americannoun
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Usually credentials.
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evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form.
Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.
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Digital Technology. information that identifies an account and keeps it secure, as username and password.
The IT department assigns temporary system credentials to new employees.
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anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.
verb (used with object)
adjective
noun
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something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc
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(plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence
adjective
Other Word Forms
- credentialed adjective
- uncredentialed adjective
Etymology
Origin of credential
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English credencial, from Medieval Latin crēdenti(a); credence, -al 1
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.
Almost all refused, and were required to hand in their Pentagon credentials.
From Barron's
"Rising inflation, higher raw material costs and the need for heavy marketing investment can make it difficult for them to survive, even when their sustainability credentials are strong."
From BBC
“He possesses impeccable credentials and a clear vision for maintaining the Fed’s independence while achieving its dual mandate. It is unfortunate that an ongoing investigation prevents me from voting.”
From Barron's
Republican lawmakers who have met with him have largely praised his credentials.
From Barron's
Reissuing PIN numbers at the last minute, without requiring further privately known credentials, also isn’t a wise approach.
From Salon
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.
