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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Believe It or Not: Cred
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Argumentative Writing, List 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“He brought some instant credibility in and outside of the organization,” said Guelli.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
“People are jealous of the credibility they’ve created, but that’s not something a marketing budget can buy,” Gastman added.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 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
Well, Ralph’s credibility is out the window now.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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.
