Origin: Latin suffix -able
Reliable has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
Something or someone reliable or dependable
"After a week of rain, our new umbrella proved to be incredibly reliable since it stayed dry throughout the entire storm without leaking once."
In plain English: A reliable person is someone you can always count on to do what they say they will do.
"He became the team's most reliable voice during the crisis."
worthy of reliance or trust
"a reliable source of information"
"a dependable worker"
worthy of being depended on
"a dependable worker"
"an honest working stiff"
"a reliable source of information"
"he was true to his word"
"I would be true for there are those who trust me"
Suitable or fit to be relied on; worthy of dependence, reliance or trust; dependable, trustworthy
"After years of fixing every leaky pipe in our neighborhood, Mike is the most reliable plumber we know."
In plain English: Reliable means you can always count on someone to do what they say they will do.
"My car is very reliable and never breaks down."
Usage: Use reliable to describe people who consistently keep promises and objects that function without failure. This adjective emphasizes proven dependability rather than just a single instance of good performance.
The word reliable comes from combining the verb rely with the suffix -able to mean something that can be relied upon. It entered English as a straightforward formation describing qualities suitable for dependence.