credential

American  

[kri-den-shuhl] / krɪˈdɛn ʃəl /

noun

1. Usually credentials.

   1. evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form.

      Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.

   2. 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.

2. anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

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verb (used with object)

credentialed, credentialing credentialled, credentialling

1. to grant credentials to, especially educational and professional ones.

   She has been credentialed to teach math.

adjective

1. providing the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

credential British  

/ krɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc

2. (plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence

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adjective

1. entitling one to confidence, authority, etc

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

Teacher credential programs typically require only a C+ average in undergrad.

From The Wall Street Journal

"His credentials among power brokers were extremely high, and I think a lot of individuals probably just dismissed the conviction against him."

From BBC

An important limitation emerged: Claude frequently overstated findings and fabricated results, claiming credentials that didn’t validate or presenting publicly available information as critical discoveries.

From The Wall Street Journal

In China, Tomorrowland has partnered with entertainment companies Hero Esports and INS Land, and was supported by local authorities keen to burnish the city's international hub credentials.

From Barron's

And Truman had some credentials in the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty