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.
She has enough credibility among progressives to be a responsible voice who wouldn’t be swept downstream by the latest, bad trend.
From Slate • May 2, 2026
“Absent a material worsening in energy supply conditions, technology can reassert leadership over energy, but conviction will depend on earnings delivery, the credibility of AI spending plans, and stable macro expectations,” he added.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
In truth, a central bank’s credibility justifies its independence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Each additional victim testifying lends credibility to all the others.
From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026
The credibility of the witness is of first importance.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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.
