reliability

noun

re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being reliable
2
: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

Examples of reliability in a Sentence

we never had reason to question the reliability of the park rangers in the event of an emergency
Recent Examples on the Web The concept of an individual carbon footprint has some issues, the biggest being accuracy and reliability. Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 But a more overriding concern is McLaren’s less-than-sterling reputation for reliability, and whether or not the 750S can improve on that track record. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 The documents do show that staff are screened for political reliability. Associated Press, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Assuming that Tesla can maintain the high degree of reliability of its Superchargers when interoperating with non-Tesla vehicles, this could address at least one of the biggest challenges that other automakers have in selling EVs. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Internal Controls: Systems for ensuring accuracy and reliability in financial reporting. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 The relationship and reliability from a long-term partner like Shell isn’t lost on Ferrari’s drivers, who have enough to worry about when the lights go out and the race begins. Michael Loré, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The adapters are intended to only be a short-term solution to the problem of EV charging availability and reliability. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 For now, popular brands known for reliability, like Toyota and Honda, aren't offering discounts as generous as others. Tom Krisher, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reliability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliability was in 1810

Dictionary Entries Near reliability

Cite this Entry

“Reliability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliability. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reliability

noun
re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
plural reliabilities
: the quality or state of being reliable

Medical Definition

reliability

noun
re·​li·​abil·​i·​ty ri-ˌlī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce reliability (audio)
plural reliabilities
: the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials

More from Merriam-Webster on reliability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!