reliable
rih-LEYE-uhbl
Reliable (adjective) means Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted. Example: “She's always been a reliable friend in a crisis.”
adjective
1
Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
"She's always been a reliable friend in a crisis."
"We need a reliable source before publishing the story."
"This old car is cheap, but it is surprisingly reliable on long journeys."
How to use reliable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething or someone you can count on to behave consistently.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reliable source
reliable service
proven reliable
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Word forms
- Plural
- reliables
- Comparative
- more reliable
- Superlative
- most reliable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's always been a _____ friend in a crisis.
Etymology
Formed from rely plus the suffix -able, meaning "able to be relied on."
Synonyms
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steady
consistent
faithful
sound
stable
tried-and-true
authentic
honest
secure
dependable
trustworthy
solid
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reliable
See all rhymes for reliable →Frequently asked questions
What does “reliable” mean?
The word “reliable” means consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted. In plain terms, something or someone you can count on to behave consistently.
How do you pronounce “reliable”?
“Reliable” is pronounced rih-LEYE-uhbl (/ɹɪˈlaɪəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “reliable” in a sentence?
Here is “reliable” used in a sentence: “She's always been a reliable friend in a crisis.”
What is another word for “reliable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reliable” include secure, dependable, trustworthy and solid.
What is the opposite of “reliable”?
The opposite of “reliable” — its antonyms — is unreliable.
What part of speech is “reliable”?
“Reliable” is an adjective.
Is “reliable” a common word?
“Reliable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "reliant"?
"Reliable" means able to be trusted and consistently good in quality or performance, describing something others can depend on. "Reliant" means dependent on someone or something else. A reliable car can be depended on, while a person reliant on a car cannot manage without it.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "trustworthy"?
"Trustworthy" emphasises honesty and good character, meaning someone will not deceive you. "Reliable" emphasises consistent performance, meaning someone or something does what is needed every time. A person can be trustworthy but unreliable if they mean well yet often forget commitments.
What is the difference between "reliable" and "credible"?
"Credible" means believable or convincing, describing something likely to be true. "Reliable" means dependable and consistently good in performance. A reliable source is one you can count on repeatedly, while a credible claim is simply one that sounds plausible.
What are common collocations with "reliable"?
Common pairings include "reliable source," "reliable information," "reliable car," "reliable service," and "highly reliable." These phrases stress consistency and trustworthiness in people, products, or information.
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