credibility
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- noncredibility noun
Etymology
Origin of credibility
First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin crēdibilitās, equivalent to Latin crēdibili(s) credible ( def. ) + -tās -ty 2 ( def. )
Explanation
You have credibility when you seem totally trustworthy or believable. You lose it when you start lying, cheating and acting rather shady. Credibility is a noun that speaks to plausibility or believableness, so the star witness at your trial or the person writing your recommendation letter should certainly have it. Be careful though, because someone with credibility isn't necessarily telling the truth. As any con man or politician can tell you, credibility can easily come from nothing more than a confident smile.
Vocabulary lists containing credibility
Argumentative Writing
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Believe It or Not: Cred
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Argumentative Writing, List 1
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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.
Each additional victim testifying lends credibility to all the others.
From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026
Granted, they have been gunning for his judgement too, in a circular firing squad about credibility.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
He rightly blames the Fed itself for its loss of credibility by not maintaining price stability.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
Who are any of us to stand up alone against a rich and powerful man whose very freedom will depend on crushing our credibility?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Lawrence’s statement had the curious effect of undermining both the other witnesses, while placing his own credibility at the service of a smear of Oppenheimer.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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.
