Word

credibility

noun C1

/kɹɛd.əˈbɪ.ɫɪ.ti/

Meanings

noun

the quality of being trusted and believed

noun

the degree to which a story, claim, or source seems believable because it is supported by evidence

Definition

Credibility is the quality of being trusted and believed.

Credibility is the level of trust people place in someone, an organization, or a piece of information. It comes from factors like honesty, expertise, consistency, and evidence. When credibility is high, others are more likely to accept claims and follow recommendations.

Examples

The journalist strengthened her credibility by citing multiple independent sources and correcting errors quickly.
After the failed promise, the company struggled to rebuild its credibility with long-term customers.
If you want your credibility to grow, match your confident tone with clear evidence and transparent methods.
He questioned the report’s credibility because the numbers looked inconsistent across the different charts.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse credibility (being trusted) with credulity (being too ready to believe).