dependable

[dih-pen-duh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being depended on; worthy of trust; reliable.

   a dependable employee.

   Synonyms: responsible, faithful, steadfast, trusty, trustworthy

dependable

/ dɪˈpɛndəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be depended on; reliable; trustworthy

Other Word Forms

• dependability noun
• dependableness noun
• dependably adverb
• interdependable adjective
• nondependable adjective
• nondependableness noun
• nondependably adverb
• predependable adjective
• undependable adjective
• undependableness noun
• undependably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependable¹

First recorded in 1725–35; depend + -able

Example Sentences

Robots depend on powerful motors to provide balance, but they’re not dependable except in carefully curated environments such as laboratories.

From Los Angeles Times

In the noughties, excited children waited outside bookshops for midnight launches of the latest Harry Potter adventure, while tennis fans camping overnight in the hope of getting into Wimbledon is a dependable sight every year.

From BBC

Roberts was loudly booed when he walked to the mound to replace Wrobleski, but how could anyone blame the manager for deploying the hard-throwing left-hander, who was one of the team’s most dependable relievers?

From Los Angeles Times

I can’t explain why this breezy comic caper is such a dependable midnight snack for me.

From Los Angeles Times

Hence, their recent re-emphasis on more dependable fundamentals — allowing them to paper-cut an opposing pitching staff to death in a way that is typically for success in October.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• loyal 
• staunch 
• steady 
• sturdy 
• true 
• trustworthy