dependable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dependable
Compare meaning
How does dependable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Dependable means "reliable, steady, trustworthy." If people can always count on you, that means you are dependable. The adjective dependable can also mean consistent in performance or behavior, like a dependable car that always starts and rarely needs service or a dependable actor who always does a great job, regardless of the role. Dependable can also be used to describe something that is financially sound, like an investment that brings profit with little risk.
Vocabulary lists containing dependable
Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume
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Words to Describe a Friend
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Cover Letter Language
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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.
I knew I would never be Sandy Koufax, but I thought that I could at least be one of nine on a student team—not a star, but a dependable utility player.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026
Clinkunbroomer was described by colleagues as a smart and dependable guy often assigned to teach others how to do various jobs at work.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
The redesigned algorithm dramatically reduces the amount of experimental data required to generate dependable three-dimensional images.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026
"Patients across north Wales have waited far too long for safe, timely and dependable healthcare, while dedicated front-line staff have been repeatedly let down by failures of leadership and governance."
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
The B-25S they flew in were stable, dependable, dull-green ships with twin rudders and engines and wide wings.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
