credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkre-də-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or power of inspiring belief

an account lacking in credibility

2

: capacity for belief

Her account exceeds credibility.

Examples of credibility in a Sentence

The new evidence lends credibility to their theory.

The scandal undermined her credibility as an honest politician.

In this instance, the lawyer's job is to make the jury doubt the witness's credibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

Netanyahu and his party, Likud, are not ahead in most mainstream polls, and yet most observers of any credibility agree that damn near anything could happen, especially given Israel’s complicated parliamentary arrangements and wild array of parties. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026

On the red carpet, Fan Bingbing’s arrival generated some of the night’s loudest buzz, while Gainsbourg represented European art-house credibility alongside Cuarón and Jonas Cuaron. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

At the same time, questions have been raised about the credibility of its figures. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

This bold move would add instant credibility again and immediate buzz to the program while energizing the fans. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see credible

First Known Use

circa 1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing credibility

• credibility gap
• lend weight/credence/credibility

Rhymes for credibility

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility
• feasibility

Kids Definition

credibility

noun

cred·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkred-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or power of inspiring belief

a story without much credibility

2

: capacity for belief

an excuse beyond credibility