adjective
reliable
Able to be trusted to work or behave as expected.
Our reliable babysitter always arrives on time and follows instructions.
Etymology
Rely developed from an older word for binding into dependence or trust. Reliable describes something on which that trust can safely be placed.
More examples
- This old car is still reliable on long trips.
- We need a reliable source for those figures.
- The cabin has reliable internet access, even during storms.
Forms
reliable · more reliable · most reliable
reliability noun — The quality of consistently meeting expectations.
reliably adverb — In a way that consistently meets expectations.
Similar words
- dependable
- Nearly interchangeable; emphasizes being counted on when needed.
- trustworthy
- Emphasizes deserving trust, especially through honesty or accuracy.
- consistent
- Emphasizes steady behavior or results, not necessarily good performance.