Reliability
ˌriːlaɪəˈbɪləti
Definitions
2 meaningsThe extent to which something can be depended upon to perform as expected.
ˌriːlaɪəˈbɪləti
The quality of being able to be trusted or depended on.
The car's reliability is one of its best features.
💡 Simply: Reliability is like your best friend who always shows up when they say they will. It's about knowing something or someone will do what it's supposed to do, all the time!
👶 For kids: When something is reliable, it means you can count on it to work like it should.
More Examples
We test the reliability of the equipment under extreme conditions.
The success of the project depends on the reliability of the data.
How It's Used
"The reliability of the bridge's structure is crucial for public safety."
"Software developers strive for high levels of reliability in their applications."
"Building customer loyalty depends on consistent product reliability."
The consistency of a measure or measurement, the degree to which it can be repeated with similar results.
ˌriːlaɪəˈbɪləti
The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or observation can be depended on to be accurate.
The doctor checked the reliability of the blood pressure monitor.
💡 Simply: If you measure the same thing again and again and get similar results, the measurement has reliability. It's like a trustworthy ruler that always gives accurate lengths.
👶 For kids: If you measure something many times and you get the same or almost the same number each time, then your measurement is reliable.
More Examples
The study focused on improving the reliability of diagnostic tests.
Researchers are working to increase the reliability of the data collection methods.
How It's Used
"The study evaluated the reliability of the survey instrument."
"Researchers must ensure the reliability of their experimental results by controlling variables."
"The reliability of a standardized test is often assessed through measures of consistency."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Reliable as clockwork
Completely dependable and predictable; functioning with perfect regularity.
"He's as reliable as clockwork when it comes to attending meetings."
From 'reliable' (trustworthy) + '-ity' (suffix forming nouns from adjectives). 'Reliable' comes from the verb 'rely' which traces back to Old French 'relier' meaning 'to bind together' or 'to connect'. The suffix '-ity' indicates a state or quality.
The term 'reliability' emerged in the late 19th century, primarily within engineering and statistical contexts. Early usage focused on the dependable performance of machines and later extended to data and measurement.
Memory tip
Think of the most reliable person you know. Their reliability comes from their consistent actions.
Word Origin
"'to bind together' or 'to connect' (relier), through the verb 'rely'"