dependable

American  

[dih-pen-duh-buhl] / dɪˈpɛn də bəl /

adjective

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

   a dependable employee.

   Synonyms:

   responsible, faithful, steadfast, trusty, trustworthy

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dependable British  

/ dɪˈpɛndəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be depended on; reliable; trustworthy

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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

Etymology

Origin of dependable

First recorded in 1725–35; depend + -able

Compare meaning

How does dependable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• reliable vs. dependable

Example Sentences

That isn’t because they become less powerful but because they become dependable, affordable and broadly usable—quietly triumphant and easily overlooked.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Board of Peace is an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict,” a copy of the charter says.

From The Wall Street Journal

They include technologies like batteries - to store renewable electricity to use when it is less sunny and windy - as well as other low-carbon sources like nuclear, which can provide dependable output.

From BBC

For decades, scientists have thought Earth's climate was regulated by a slow but dependable natural process driven by rock weathering.

From Science Daily

“Fusion power plants are expected to provide economic, abundant and dependable electricity that would help America win the AI revolution,” the release said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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