Cool MateReliable
UK /["/rɪˈlaɪəbl/"]/US /["/rɪˈlaɪəbl/"]/
Definition
that can be trusted to do something well; that you can rely on
In simple words: Someone or something you can trust to work well or be true.
Examples
- You can always count on her; she is very reliable.
- The data was sourced from a reliable study conducted by experts.
- He has a reliable car that never breaks down.
- Finding reliable information online can be challenging.
- She is known for her reliable performance in every project.
Usage notes
Use 'reliable' in contexts where you want to express trustworthiness. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, but avoid it in overly casual speech.
Grammar pattern
reliable + noun (e.g., person, source)
Memory hint
Think of 'rely' in 'reliable' - if you can rely on someone, they are reliable.
Collocations
- be
- prove
- seem
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- as
- be
- prove
- seem
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- as
Synonyms
- dependable
- trustworthy
- steady
- constant
- predictable
Antonyms
- unreliable
- inconsistent
- untrustworthy
Common mistakes
- Using 'reliable' with a subject that can't be trusted.
- Confusing 'reliable' with 'reliant' which has a different meaning.
- Using 'reliable' to mean 'accurate' which is not the same.