reliable

1 of 2

adjective

re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
1
: suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable
2
: giving the same result on successive trials
reliableness noun
reliably adverb

reliable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is reliable

Examples of reliable in a Sentence

Adjective He's not very reliable. You can't always count on him to do what he says he'll do. We can't write a report without reliable data. We need more reliable information before we can take action.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
And while flexibility and fun may be a more attainable part of the package, earning a reliable living from influencing is considerably more difficult. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 Even harder to reconcile is how little is done with an enviable cast, one in which Marcia Gay Harden as Knox’s ex-wife and Al Pacino as a retired thief and reliable pal named Xavier are, bizarrely, the most muted colors. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The versatile, reliable boards come with drip catchers and non-slip feet for easy use. Rachael Hogg, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2024 Arizona’s reliable power grid is one factor driving that growth, along with few natural hazards, land availability, access to technical talent and more. The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 More housing is being built, and many snakes who once dwelled in native bush land are finding sanctuary — and a reliable source of food and water — in homes intended for humans. Natasha Frost David Maurice Smith, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The lack of a robust network of chargers, one that drivers can count on to be fast, affordable and reliable, has been identified a major barrier to EV adoption in Wisconsin and nationwide. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The surprisingly durable bag is sturdy enough to hold up to 30 pounds — more than enough room to carry my magazines, reliable Calpak water bottle holder, and favorite Quay sunglasses. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024 The city’s disabled students deserve reliable bus service. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024
Noun
The 17-6 victory by Turner’s first Chargers team affirmed the old reliables about protecting the ball and not panicking. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024 Wood played many characters who were true-blue reliable, and others who were high-strung and neurotic. Tim Gray, Variety, 20 July 2023 But while newcomers may come and go, old reliables like Vieng Thai remain. Brooke Viggiano, Chron, 16 Feb. 2023 The old reliable is a classic cotton blanket. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 31 Jan. 2023 The old reliable is the trusty protein bar. Destin Demarion, Outdoor Life, 31 July 2020 And an old reliable in terms of comfy slip-ons — the storied Crocs Classic Clog — is on sale for just $25. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2022 The low-budget option is the definition of old reliable. Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022 This old reliable is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and allergy-tested. ELLE, 15 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reliable.' 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

Adjective

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliable was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near reliable

Cite this Entry

“Reliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reliable

adjective
re·​li·​able
ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl
: fit to be trusted : dependable
reliableness noun
reliably
-blē
adverb

Medical Definition

reliable

adjective
re·​li·​able ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce reliable (audio)
: giving the same result on successive trials
a reliable psychological test

More from Merriam-Webster on reliable

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