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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wholesale Trade-Offs And DTC Gaps Department stores were once synonymous with reach, reliability, premium customer service and validation (especially the kind of reputational validation that designers crave). Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Testimony about Proctor’s text messages comes as Read’s team has spent weeks attempting to sow doubt about the reliability of evidence presented by prosecutors, in an effort to distance Read from O’Keefe’s death. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 June 2025 Providing an array of vehicles to consumers has been their strong suit, but providing reliability, dependability and usability is second to none. Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025 Data displayed on SpaceX's live broadcast of the launch showed all 33 of the rocket's engines fired normally during its initial ascent from Texas, a reassuring sign for the reliability of the Super Heavy booster. ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reliability

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliability was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Reliability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliability. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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
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