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.
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
Bill also had his share of kooks who threatened the credibility of his movement.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
For years, the network has thrived by aligning itself with the emotional and ideological currents of its audience while maintaining just enough institutional credibility to shape those currents in return.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
"So obviously to see that this person had been using my photo to sell his well-being programmes, they kind of took away the credibility of my story."
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
“Which man of honour,” I wrote, “will desert a lifelong friend at the insistence of a common opponent and still retain a measure of credibility with his people?”
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
